U.S. patent application number 10/307670 was filed with the patent office on 2003-08-07 for method of removing wrinkles from fabric.
This patent application is currently assigned to The Procter & Gamble Company. Invention is credited to Alwart, Todd Stephen, Bush, Stephan Gary, Candido, Anne Marie, Collias, Dimitris Ioannis, Detzel, Gabrielle Holly Spangler, Frankenbach, Gayle Marie, Shaw, John Henry JR..
Application Number | 20030146405 10/307670 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 26878054 |
Filed Date | 2003-08-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030146405 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Frankenbach, Gayle Marie ;
et al. |
August 7, 2003 |
Method of removing wrinkles from fabric
Abstract
The present invention relates to selecting dispensers having
optimal spray patterns for use together with aqueous wrinkle
removal and/or reduction compositions to minimize the potential to
stain fabrics and significantly reduce drying time associated with
aqueous-based wrinkle control compositions. The present invention
also relates to wrinkle control compositions suitable for use in
dispensers with optimal spray patterns and articles of use
including instructions for use. The present invention also relates
to methods of use for wrinkle control compositions in dispensers
with optimal spray patterns.
Inventors: |
Frankenbach, Gayle Marie;
(Cincinnati, OH) ; Candido, Anne Marie; (Mason,
OH) ; Shaw, John Henry JR.; (Cincinnati, OH) ;
Detzel, Gabrielle Holly Spangler; (Cincinnati, OH) ;
Bush, Stephan Gary; (Sharonville, OH) ; Alwart, Todd
Stephen; (Cincinnati, OH) ; Collias, Dimitris
Ioannis; (Mason, OH) |
Correspondence
Address: |
THE PROCTER & GAMBLE COMPANY
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY DIVISION
WINTON HILL TECHNICAL CENTER - BOX 161
6110 CENTER HILL AVENUE
CINCINNATI
OH
45224
US
|
Assignee: |
The Procter & Gamble
Company
|
Family ID: |
26878054 |
Appl. No.: |
10/307670 |
Filed: |
December 2, 2002 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10307670 |
Dec 2, 2002 |
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09610561 |
Jul 5, 2000 |
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6495058 |
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60182386 |
Feb 14, 2000 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
252/8.91 ;
38/144; 427/370; 510/513 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B05B 11/3056 20130101;
D06M 23/02 20130101; D06M 2200/20 20130101; B05B 11/3057 20130101;
D06M 23/06 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
252/8.91 ;
427/370; 510/513; 38/144 |
International
Class: |
D06M 010/00; B05D
003/12; C11D 001/00; D06F 001/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A method of removing wrinkles in fabric comprising the steps of:
(a) dispensing an effective amount of an aqueous composition onto
said fabric using a spray dispener, wherein said aqueous
composition comprises: (i) an aqueous base comprising water; (ii)
optionally, an effective amount to reduce surface tension of
surfactant; (iii) optionally, a solvent and/or plasticizer; (iv)
optionally, an effcetive amount of a fabric care polysaccharide;
(v) optionally, an effective amount to absorb malodor of an odor
control agent; (vi) optionally, an effective amount of a buffering
system sufficient to provide an effective amount of buffering
capacity. (vii) optionally, an effective amount to provide
olfactory effects of perfume; (viii) optionally, an effective
amount to kill, or reduce the growth of microbes, of antimicrobial
active; (ix) optionally, an effective amount to provide improved
antimicrobial action of aminocarboxylate chelator; (x) optionally,
an effective amount of solubilized, water-soluble, antimicrobial
preservative; (xi) optionally, an effective amount of a whiteness
preservative; and (xii) optionally, adjunct ingredients selected
from the group consisting of odor-controlling materials, chelating
agents, viscosity control agents, antistatic agents, insect and
moth repelling agents, colorants, anti-clogging agents, agents for
pH adjustment, buffering agents, and mixtures thereof; wherein said
spray dispenser provides a spray pattern having a volume per unit
of surface area of less than about 0.011 ml/cm.sup.2; and (b)
ironing said fabric with an iron.
2. The method of claim 1 wherein said spray dispenser provides a
spray pattern having a volume per unit of surface area of less than
about 0.0054 ml/cm.sup.2.
3. The method of claim 2 wherein said spray dispenser provides a
spray pattern having a volume per unit of surface area of less than
about 0.0031 ml/cm.sup.2.
4. The method of claim 1 wherein said spray pattern has a standard
deviation of said volume per unit of surface area of less than
about 0.0087 ml/cm.sup.2.
5. The method of claim 4 wherein said spray pattern has a standard
deviation of said volume per unit of surface area of less than
about 0.0047 ml/cm.sup.2.
6. The method of claim 5 wherein said spray pattern has a standard
deviation of said volume per unit of surface area of less than
about 0.0031 ml/cm.sup.2.
7. The method of claim 1 wherein said spray dispenser is a trigger
spray dispenser.
8. The method of claim 1 wherein said wrinkle controlling
composition further comprises from about 0.0001% to about 20% of a
surfactant selected from the group consisting of silicone
surfactant, nonionic surfactant, ionic surfactant, zwitterionic
surfactant, fluorine-based surfactant, and mixtures thereof.
9. The method of claim 8 wherein said surfactant is a silicone
surfactant having the formula:
R.sup.1--(CH.sub.3).sub.2SiO--[(CH.sub.3).sub.2SiO].s-
ub.a--[(CH.sub.3)(R.sup.1)SiO].sub.b--Si(CH.sub.3).sub.2--R.sup.1
wherein a+b are from about 1 to about 50, and each R.sup.1 is the
same or different and is selected from the group consisting of a
methyl group and a poly(ethyleneoxide/propyleneoxide) copolymer
group having the general formula:
--(CH.sub.2).sub.nO(C.sub.2H.sub.4O).sub.c(C.sub.3H.sub.6O).sub.-
dR.sup.2 wherein at least one R.sup.1 is a
poly(ethyleneoxy/propyleneoxy) copolymer group, and wherein n is 3
or 4; total c (for all polyalkyleneoxy side groups) has a value of
from 1 to about 100; total c+d has a value of from about 5 to about
150, and each R.sup.2 is the same or different and is selected from
the group consisting of hydrogen, an alkyl having 1 to 4 carbon
atoms, and an acetyl group.
10. The method of claim 9 wherein said silicone surfactant is at a
level of at least about 0.01% by weight of said composition.
11. The method of claim 8 wherein said surfactant is a
fluorine-based surfactant selected from the group consisting of
fluorinated alkyl polyoxyalkylenes, fluorinated alkyl esters, and
mixtures thereof.
12. The method of claim 8, wherein said surfactant is selected from
the group consisting of sulfated vegetable oil, sulfated castor
oil, sulfated canola oil, and mixtures thereof.
13. The method of claim 1, wherein the composition comprises a
solvent present at a level above about 15%.
14. The method of claim 1, wherein the composition comprises a
solvent present at a level below about 15%.
15. The method of claim 1, wherein the composition comprises a
fabric care polysaccharide selected from the group consisting of
primary fabric care polysaccharides, adjunct fabric care
oligosacchrides, starch, and mixtures thereof.
16. The method of claim 15, wherein the composition comprises a
starch derived from corn, wheat, rice, grain sorghum, waxy grain
sorghum, waxy maize, tapioca, modified starches, or mixtures
thereof.
17. The method of claim 16, wherein the starch is a degraded starch
produced by acidic, oxidative, or enzymatic depolymerization, or
the modified starch is produced by alkoxylation of the starch, or
mixtures thereof.
18. The method of claim 1 wherein the composition comprises a
malodor control agent selected from the group consisting of
cyclodextrin, polyols, metal salts, soluble carbonate and/or
bicarbonate salts, enzymes, zeolites, activated carbon, and
mixtures thereof.
19. The method of claim 1, wherein the buffer system is selected
from the group consisting of: (i) tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane
and hydrochloric acid; (ii) borax and hydrochloric acid; (iii)
diethanolamine and hydrochloric acid; (iv) sodium borate and sodium
hydroxide; (v) sodium bicarbonate and sodium hydroxide; (vi) sodium
hydrogen phosphate and sodium hydroxide; (vii) sodium carbonate and
sodium bicarbonate; (viii) boric acid and sodium hydroxide; (ix)
glycine and sodium hydroxide; (x) potassium chloride and sodium
hydroxide; and (xi) mixtures thereof.
20. The method of claim 1, wherein said buffering system has a
buffering capacity of at least about 0.01.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser.
No. 09/610,561, filed Jul. 5, 2000, which claims the benefit of
U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/182,386, filed Feb. 14,
2000.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present invention relates to utilizing dispensers with
optimal spray patterns for reducing staining and the drying time
associated with aqueous wrinkle spray compositions. The present
invention also relates to aqueous compositions suitable for use in
such sprayers, articles of manufacture optionally including a set
of instructions and a method of use for removing and/or reducing
wrinkles using optimal sprayers and wrinkle removing
compositions
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Wrinkles in textile fabrics are caused by the bending and
creasing of the textile material which places an external portion
of a filament in a yarn under tension while the internal portion of
that filament in the yarn is placed under compression. Particularly
with cotton fabrics, the hydrogen bonding that occurs between the
cellulose molecules contributes to keeping wrinkles in place. The
wrinkling of fabric, in particular clothing and certain household
fabrics, is therefore subject to the inherent tensional elastic
deformation and recovery properties of the fibers which constitute
the yarn and fabrics.
[0004] In the modern world, with the increase of hustle and bustle
and travel, there is a demand for a quick fix which will help to
diminish the labor involved in home laundering and/or the cost and
time involved in dry cleaning or commercial laundering. This has
brought additional pressure to bear on textile technologists to
produce a product that will sufficiently reduce wrinkles in
fabrics, especially clothing and household fabrics, and to produce
a good appearance through a simple, convenient application of a
product.
[0005] To further enhance the convenience of such a product, the
product should not have a tendency to stain fabrics or this will
detract from acceptability of the product and the aspect of
convenience. Low dry time is also essential to the convenience of
the product. If dry time, is too long consumers tend not to use the
product to full advantage. When a wrinkle control product has long
dry time, consumers must plan ahead to choose what they will wear
and treat the article of clothing well in advance of when they plan
to wear it. With a short dry time, consumers can choose what they
will wear at a convenient time e.g. when they perform their
grooming ritual for the day. The garment can be treated and worn
after a short drying time, such as for instance, after the time it
would take a consumer to shower. Short dry times are also
convenient for wrinkle control products that are taken on trips.
Typically, consumers do not have a lot of space or time to dry
clothes when traveling, so short dry times are especially important
for wrinkle control products to be taken on trips.
[0006] In prior art, staining and dry time are generally controlled
by maintaining a low level of non-aqueous, non-volatile components
in the formulation or controling the structure of such compounds
(U.S. Pat. No. 4,661,268, Jacobson, J. A., et al., U.S. Pat. No.
5,573,695, Targosz, E. F.). It is not always desirable to control
staining and dry time by limiting the composition, because this
limits the performance as well. Many surfactants, especially a
preferred silicone surfactant can contribute to softness and
wrinkle release. Optional fabric care polysaccharides can provide
enhanced wrinkle performance, reduction and prevention of fabric
damage, and give fabrics body.
[0007] The prior art cites small particles sizes (typically less
than 100 micron) and `fine` mists as ways to control staining and
reducing dry time (U.S. Pat. No. 3,674,688, Schwart, L.; et al,
U.S. Pat. No. 4,661,268, Jacobson, J. A. et al., U.S. Pat. No.
4,806,254, Church, J. A.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,573,695, Targosz, E. F.).
Surprisingly, it is discovered that dispensers that generate
similar size particles of sizes less than 100 microns with finely
divided particles and generating `fine` mists can have very
significant differences in their tendencies to stain and in their
dry times. Surprisingly, it is found that staining and dry times
are both minimized by controlling the uniformity of distribution on
the fabric. Not to be bound by theory, but some sprayers with
particle sizes about or below about 100 microns and producing
`fine` mists also deposit a high volume of produce in a small
surface area and this is generally termed a `hot spot`. Some prior
art is cited that does imply that uniform distribution is important
for wrinkle control sprays (U.S. Pat. No. 5,708,107 and U.S. Pat.
No. 5,532,023, both by Vogel, A. M., et al.). This art relates to
the combination of silicone and film-forming polymer to provide
wrinkle contol.
[0008] It is suprisingly found in the present invention that water
alone provides acceptable wrinkle control benefits and that even
for water alone, uniform distribution is important for reducing dry
time. It is found for the present invention that limiting the
volume deposited per unit of surface area and the standard
deviation in volume per unit of surface area will significantly
minimize staining and reduce dry time of such compositions.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] The present invention relates to selecting dispensers with
acceptable spray patterns for use with wrinkle control compositions
to minimize staining and reduce drying time. The present invention
also relates to wrinkle control compositions for use in said
dispensers, articles of manufacture together with an optional set
of instructions for using said wrinkle control compositions in said
dispensers and methods of using said wrinkle control compositions
in said dispensers.
[0010] Dispensers that are useful in the present invention produce
a spray that provides uniform distribution on the surface which can
be described by the parameters of volume dispensed per unit of
surface area and the standard deviation in the volume dispensed per
unit of surface area as follows: volume per unit surface area of
less than about 0.07 ml/inch.sup.2 (0.011 ml/cm.sup.2); preferably
less than about 0.05 ml/inch.sup.2(0.0078 ml/cm.sup.2); more
preferably less than about 0.035 ml/inch.sup.2 (0.0054
ml/cm.sup.2); even more preferably less than about 0.025
ml/inch.sup.2 (0.0039 ml/cm.sup.2); and most preferably less than
about 0.02 mliinch.sup.2 (0.0031 ml/cm.sup.2); with a standard
deviation in the volume per unit surface area of less than about
0.056 ml/inch.sup.2 (0.0087 ml/cm.sup.2); preferably less than
about 0.05 ml/inch.sup.2 (0.0078 ml/cm.sup.2); more preferably less
than about 0.03 ml/inch.sup.2 (0.0047 ml/cm.sup.2); even more
preferably less than about 0.022 ml/inch.sup.2 (0.0034
ml/cm.sup.2); still more preferably less than about 0.02
ml/inch.sup.2 (0.0031 ml/cm.sup.2); most preferably less than about
0.018 ml/inch.sup.2 (0.0028 ml/cm.sup.2).
[0011] The compositions suitable for the present invention should
have acceptable levels of extensional viscosity. Not to be bound by
theory, it is believed that to distribute the product well from a
dispenser, the product must be able to form distinct small droplets
and adequate-size spray pattern. Both spray characteristics, i.e.,
droplet size distribution and spray pattern, depend strongly on the
extensional viscosity of the product, and to a lesser extent on
shear viscosity, density and surface tension. The effect of product
density on the spray characteristics is minimal since for most
products the density varies only slightly (e.g. between 0.8 and 1.2
g/cm.sup.3). On the other hand, the surface tension of the product
affects the droplet size distribution (i.e., higher surface tension
causes formation of larger droplets), but not the size of the spray
pattern for pressure swirl atomizers. Finally, as the shear
viscosity increases the size of the droplets increases, and in
pressure swirl atomizers the spray pattern decreases. The
extensional viscosity of the product is typically denoted as the
Trouton ratio, which is the ratio of the extensional viscosity to
the shear viscosity. The Trouton ratio of Newtonian fluids is
constant and equal to 3 (e.g. water and glycerin; regardless of the
extensional and shear rates), whereas that of solutions of flexible
polymers is much greater than 3 (e.g. polyacrylamide; dependent on
the extensional and shear rates). The Trouton ratio of solutions of
rigid polymers (e.g. xanthan; dependent on the extensional and
shear rates) is typically less than that of the solutions of
flexible polymers. Acceptable compositions should have a Trouton
ratio of less than about 10,000 at extensional rates of less than
20,000 s.sup.-1 and comprise:
[0012] (A) Aqueous base comprising water which can be deionized,
distilled or tap water. The level of water in the composition can
be as high as about 100% of the composition, but is preferably
lower than about 100%, more preferably lower than about 99.975%,
even more preferably lower than about 99.9%, still more preferably
lower than about 99.5%, and higher than about 40%, preferably
higher than about 50%, more preferably higher than about 60%, even
more preferably higher than about 70%, still more preferably higher
than about 75% by weight of the usage composition.
[0013] The compostion may optionally comprise:
[0014] (B) optionally, to reduce surface tension, an effective
amount of surfactant;
[0015] (C) optionally, a solvent and/or plasticizer;
[0016] (D) optionally, but preferably, an effective amount to
absorb malodor, of an odor control agent;
[0017] (E) optionally, to enhance wrinkle control and other fabric
benefits, an effective amount of fabric care polysaccharide chosen
from the group of primary fabric care polysaccharide, adjunct
fabric care oligosacchride, and starch;
[0018] (F) optionally, but preferably, an effective amount to
provide olfactory effects of perfume;
[0019] (G) optionally, an effective amount, to kill, or reduce the
growth of microbes, of antimicrobial active;
[0020] (H) optionally, an effective amount to provide improved
antimicrobial action for, e.g., the antimicrobial active, of
aminocarboxylate chelator;
[0021] (I) optionally, an effective amount of solubilized,
water-soluble, antimicrobial preservative, especially when said
antimicrobial active is not sufficient to act as a
preservative;
[0022] (J) optionally, other ingredients such as adjunct
odor-controlling materials, chelating agents, additional antistatic
agents if more static control is desired, insect and moth repelling
agents, colorants, viscosity control agents; anti-clogging agents;
agents for pH adjustment; buffers; whiteness preservative; and
[0023] (K) mixtures of optional components (A) through (J).
[0024] The present wrinkle control compositions are prefereably
esentially free of any material that would soil or stain fabric
under usage conditions, or preferably essentially free of materials
at a level that would soil or stain fabrics unacceptably under
usage conditions. The present invention also relates to
concentrated compositions, including liquid, fluid and solid forms
of concentrated compositions which are diluted to form compositions
with the usage concentrations for use under usage conditions. It is
preferred that the concentrated compositions be delivered in forms
that rapidly and smoothly dissolve or disperse to the usage
concentration.
[0025] The present invention also relates to articles of
manufacture comprising the present compositions incorporated into a
container, such as a spray dispenser, that can facilitate treatment
of articles and/or surfaces with said compositions containing a
wrinkle control agent and other optional ingredients at a level
that is effective, yet is not discernible when dried on the
surfaces. The dispenser comprises manually activated and non-manual
powered (operated) spray means and a container containing the
wrinkle controlling composition.
[0026] The present article of manufacture can further comprise a
set of instructions to communicate methods of using the present
compositions to the consumer.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0027] FIG. 1 is a schematic view of an apparatus for conducting
the Patternator Test method described hereinafter in Section
V.A.
[0028] FIG. 2 is a three dimensional graph illustrating the spray
pattern of a Mixor sprayer from Calmar.
[0029] FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view of the three dimensional
graph in FIG. 2.
[0030] FIG. 4 is a three dimensional graph illustrating the spray
pattern of a Mixor sprayer from Calmar.
[0031] FIG. 5 is a cross sectional view of the three dimensional
graph in FIG. 4.
[0032] FIG. 6 is a three dimensional graph illustrating the spray
pattern of the TS-800G sprayer from Calmar.
[0033] FIG. 7 is a cross sectional view of the three dimensional
graph in FIG. 6.
[0034] FIG. 8 is a three dimensional graph illustrating the spray
pattern of a Indesco sprayer from Calmar.
[0035] FIG. 9 is a cross sectional view of the three dimensional
graph in FIG. 8.
[0036] FIG. 10 is a three dimensional graph illustrating the spray
pattern of a TS-8002E sprayer from Calmar.
[0037] FIG. 11 is a cross sectional view of the three dimensional
graph in FIG. 10.
[0038] FIG. 12 is a three dimensional graph illustrating the spray
pattern of a TS-800-2 sprayer from Calmar.
[0039] FIG. 13 is a cross sectional view of the three dimensional
graph in FIG. 12.
[0040] FIG. 14 is graph illustrating the percent of water remaining
as a function of drying time based on water being sprayed from four
different sprayers.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
I. Wrinkle Control Composition
[0041] Acceptable wrinkle control compositions of the present
invention should have a Trouton ratio of less than about 10,000 at
extensional rates of less than 20,000 s.sup.-1 and comprise:
[0042] (A). Aqueous base comprising water which can be deionized,
distilled or tap water. The level of water in the composition can
be as high as about 100% of the composition, but is preferably
lower than about 100%, more preferably lower than about 99.999%,
even more preferably lower than about 99.99%, still more preferably
lower than about 99.9%, and higher than about 40%, preferably
higher than about 50%, more preferably higher than about 60%, even
more preferably higher than about 70%, still more preferably higher
than about 75% by weight of the usage composition.
[0043] The wrinkle control compositions may optionally
comprise:
[0044] (B) optionally, to reduce surface tension, an effective
amount of surfactant;
[0045] (C) optionally, solvent and/or plasticizer;
[0046] (D) optionally, but preferably, an effective amount to
absorb malodor, of an odor control agent;
[0047] (E) optionally, to enhance wrinkle control and other fabric
benefits, an effective amount of fabric care polysaccharide chosen
from the group of primary fabric care polysaccharide, adjunct
fabric care oligosacchride, and starch;
[0048] (F) optionally, but preferably, an effective amount to
provide olfactory effects of perfume;
[0049] (G) optionally, an effective amount, to kill, or reduce the
growth of microbes, of antimicrobial active;
[0050] (H) optionally, an effective amount to provide improved
antimicrobial action for, e.g., the antimicrobial active, of
aminocarboxylate chelator;
[0051] (I) optionally, an effective amount of solubilized,
water-soluble, antimicrobial preservative, especially when said
antimicrobial active is not sufficient to act as a
preservative.
[0052] (J) optionally, other ingredients such as adjunct
odor-controlling materials, chelating agents, additional antistatic
agents if more static control is desired, insect and moth repelling
agents, colorants, viscosity control agents; anti-clogging
agents;
[0053] agents for pH adjustment; buffers; whiteness preservatives;
and
[0054] (K) mixtures of optional components (A) through (J).
[0055] The present wrinkle control compositions are preferably
essentially free of any material that would soil or stain fabric
under usage conditions, or preferably essentially free of materials
at a level that would soil or stain fabrics unacceptably under
usage conditions.
[0056] The present invention also relates to concentrated wrinkle
controlling compositions, including liquid, fluid and solid forms
of concentrated compositions which are diluted to form compositions
with the usage concentrations for use under usage conditions. It is
preferred that the concentrated compositions be delivered in forms
that rapidly and smoothly dissolve or disperse to the usage
concentration.
[0057] The present invention also relates to articles of
manufacture comprising the present compositions incorporated into a
container having a spray dispenser, that can facilitate treatment
of articles and/or surfaces with said compositions containing
wrinkle control agent and other optional ingredients at a level
that is effective, yet is not discernible when dried on the
surfaces. The spray dispenser comprises manually activated and
non-manual powered (operated) spray means and a container
containing the wrinkle controlling composition.
[0058] The present article of manufacture can further comprise a
set of instructions to communicate methods of using the present
compositions to the consumer.
[0059] A. Aqueous Base
[0060] Surprisingly, it has been found that water alone is capable
of plasticizing fibers such that a sufficient degree of wrinkle
removal and/or reduction can be attained by spraying water onto a
surface and gently pulling or smoothing the garment to release
wrinkles.
[0061] Although water alone is sufficient to remove wrinkles, the
present compositions preferably comprise optional ingredients such
as surfactants and/or solvents.
[0062] A variety of water sources including, but not limited to
deionized water, distilled water or tap water are suitable for the
present composition. Water is present at a level of about 100% of
the composition, but is preferably lower than about 100%, more
preferably lower than about 99.975%, even more preferably lower
than about 99.9%, still more preferably lower than about 99.5%, and
higher than about 40%, preferably higher than about 50%, more
preferably higher than about 60%, even more preferably higher than
about 70%, still more preferably higher than about 75% by weight of
the usage composition.
[0063] B. Optional Ingredients
[0064] Optionally, the present wrinkle controlling composition can
also contain the following:
[0065] 1. Surfactants
[0066] Surfactants are optional, but preferred ingredients in the
present composition. Surfactants aid water penetration into fibers
thus making the natural wrinkle control properties of water more
effective. Surfactant also aids water in penetrating fabrics
treated with hydrophobic fabric finishes that tend to repel water.
Residual surfactant also helps keep fibrils flat against the fiber
surface, thus smoothing the surface and aiding in wrinkle release.
Residual surfactant can also act to stiffen fibers, thus helping to
prevent rewrinkling.
[0067] Surfactants normally fall into several groups, a preferred
class known as silicone surfactants, nonionic surfactants, ionic
surfactants, amphoteric surfactants, and fluorine-based
surfactants. Another special class of surfactants are cyclodextrin
compatible surfactants which are disclosed under the section titled
`Odor Control Agents`. It is preferred to use cyclodextrin
compatible surfactants when optional cyclodextrin is incorporated
in the formulation.
[0068] Surfactants can also have varying degrees of saturation.
Different levels of saturation to unsaturation are preferred for
various applications. In applications where fabrics are chronically
exposed to conditions that stimulate oxidation or polymerization
that can lead to fabric yellowing (i.e. high heat, the presence of
transition metals, UV radiation) it is preferably to have a higher
degree of saturation (e.g. IV less than 50). In applications where
oxidation or polymerization leading to yellowing is not a factor, a
lower level of saturation (e.g. IV above 50) is desirable, since
less saturated surfactants can additionally act as fabric-fiber
lubricants to enhance wrinkle release.
[0069] When it is desireable to have lubrication under conditions
where oxidation or polymerization are a risk, a whiteness
preservative selected from the group of chelants, fabric
substantive chelants, optical brightening agents, bluing agents, UV
absorbers, and oxidative stabilizers such as anti-oxidants and/or
reductive agents as well as mixtures of whiteriess preservatives
can be used to advantage. When whiteness preservatives are used,
these should be added at levels of at least about 0.001, preferably
at least about 0.005%, more preferably at least about 0.01%, even
more preferably at least about 0.05%, still more preferably at
least about 0.2%, and typically below about 10%, preferably below
about 5%, more preferably below about 3%, and still more preferably
below about 1.5%. Whiteness preservatives are discussed in
additional detail below under other optional ingredients.
[0070] When optional surfactants are incorporated, typical levels
are at least. about 0.0001%, preferably 0.001%, more preferably at
least about 0.01%, and even more preferably at least about 0.1% and
typically less than about 20%, preferably less than about 15%, more
preferably less than about 10%, even more preferably less than
about 5% of the weight of the composition.
[0071] (a) Silicone Surfactant
[0072] Silicone surfactants are highly preferred surfactants
because these compounds typically impart lubricity and smoothness
to fibers that allows them to slip or glide easily past one another
and therefore enhances the process of wrinkle release or wrinkle
control. These compounds can also smooth the surface of fabrics, by
smoothing down fibrils and pills, to leave a silky or soft feeling
to fabric surface and also provide color and surface appearance
benefits. Residual silicone surfactant helps to keep fibrils and
fibers in place, thus preventing rewrinkling.
[0073] A preferred, but nonlimiting class of nonionic silicone
surfactants is the class of polyalkylene oxide polysiloxanes.
Typically the polyalkylene oxide polysiloxanes have a dimethyl
polysiloxane hydrophobic moiety and one or more hydrophilic
polyalkylene chains. The hydrophilic polyakylene chains can be
incorporated as side chains (pendant moieties) or as block
copolymer moieties with the polysiloxane hydrophobic moiety.
Polyalkylene oxide polysiloxanes are described by the following
general formulas:
R.sup.1
CH.sub.3).sub.2SiO--[(CH.sub.3).sub.2SiO].sub.a--[(CH.sub.3)(R.sup-
.1)SiO].sub.bSi(CH.sub.3).sub.2--R.sup.1
[0074] wherein a+b are from about 1 to about 50, preferably from
about 1 to about 30, more preferably from about 1 to about 25, and
each R.sup.1 is the same or different and is selected from the
group consisting of methyl and a poly(ethyleneoxide/propyleneoxide)
copolymer group having the general formula:
--(CH.sub.2).sub.nO(C.sub.2H.sub.4O).sub.c(C.sub.3H.sub.6O).sub.dR.sup.2
[0075] with at least one R.sup.1 being a
poly(ethyleneoxy/propyleneoxy) copolymer group, and wherein n is 3
or 4, preferably 3; total c (for all polyalkyleneoxy side groups)
has a value of from 1 to about 100, preferably from about 6 to
about 100; total c+d has a value of from about 5 to about 150,
preferably from about 7 to about 100 and each R.sup.2 is the same
or different and is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen,
an alkyl having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, and an acetyl group,
preferably hydrogen and/or methyl group. Each polyalkylene oxide
polysiloxane has at least one R.sup.1 group being a
poly(ethyleneoxide/propyleneoxide) copolymer group.
[0076] Nonlimiting examples of these type of surfactants are the
Silwet.RTM. surfactants which are available from Crompton.
Representative Silwet.RTM. surfactants which contain only
ethyleneoxy (C.sub.2H.sub.4O) groups are as follows.
1 Name Average MW Average a + b Average total c L-7608 600 1 8
L-7607 1,000 2 17 L-77 600 1 9 L-7605 6,000 20 99 L-7604 4,000 21
53 L-7600 4,000 11 68 L-7657 5,000 20 76 L-7602 3,000 20 29 L-7622
10,000 88 75 L-8600 2,100 L-8610 1,700 L-8620 2,000
[0077] Nonlimiting examples of Silwet.RTM. surfactants which
contain both ethyleneoxy (C.sub.2H.sub.4O) and propyleneoxy
(C.sub.3H.sub.6O) groups are as follows:
2 Name Average MW EO/PO ratio L-720 12,000 50/50 L-7001 20,000
40/60 L-7002 8,000 50/50 L-7210 13,000 20/80 L-7200 19,000 75/25
L-7220 17,000 20/80
[0078] Nonlimiting examples of Silwet.RTM. surfactants which
contain only propyleneoxy (C.sub.3H.sub.6O) groups are as
follows:
3 Name Average MW L7500 3,000 L7510 13,000 L7550 300 L8500
2,800
[0079] The molecular weight of the polyalkyleneoxy group (R.sup.1)
is less than or equal to about 10,000. The preferred molecular
weight of the polyalkylene oxide polysiloxane is dependent on the
exact functionality in a given composition. If propyleneoxy groups
are present in the polyalkylenoxy chain, they can be distributed
randomly in the chain or exist as blocks. Other nonlimiting
examples of polyalkylene oxide polysiloxane useful in the present
invention include include the following compounds available from
Dow Corning.RTM. 193, 190, FF-400 Fluid, Q2-5220, Q4-3667, Q2-5211,
as well as compounds available from Toray Dow Corning Silicone Co.,
Ltd. know as SH3771C, SH3772C, SH3773C, SH3746, SH3748, SH3749,
SH8400, SF8410, and SH8700, KF351 (A), KF352 (A), KF354 (A), and
KF615 (A) of Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd., TSF4440, TSF4445,
TSF4446, TSF4452 of Toshiba Silicone Co.
[0080] The number of ethyleneoxy units (--C.sub.2H.sub.4O) in the
polyether chain (R.sup.1) must be sufficient to render the
polyalkylene oxide polysiloxane water dispersible or water soluble.
In particular cases, it is preferrable to combine the polyalkylene
oxide polysiloxane with another of the surfactants disclosed below
(in sections on nonionic, ionic, zwitterionic, and fluorine-based
surfactants) to improve stability or compatibility in aqeuous
products. If propyleneoxy groups are present in the polyalkylenoxy
chain, they can be distributed randomly in the chain or exist as
blocks. Polyalkylene oxide polysiloxane surfactants are very
versatile materials which serve a variety of purposes depending on
physical characteristics of the material.
[0081] A preferred polyalkylene oxide polysiloxane surfactant can
be chosen for benefits that it can provide in addition to wrinkle
release. Additional benefits can include improved spreading and
softness. Improved spreading can be provided by superwetters, some
nonlimitng examples of which include Silwet.RTM. L77 and DC
Q2-5211. Further, additional softness is especially preferred when
the other materials such as cyclodextrin, polymer, or detergent
residues leave a rough feeling on the surface of the fabric.
Nonlimiting examples of polyalkylen oxide polysiloxanes that
provide softness include Silwets.RTM. L7001, L7200, and L7087 and
DC 190. When optional cyclodextrin is used, it is preferred to use
polyakylene oxide polysiloxanes with higher molecular weights, at
least about 5,000 and preferably at least about 10,000, to prevent
significant interaction with the cyclodextrin. Mixtures of
polyalkylene oxide polysiloxanes with preferred properties are also
preferred. Other additional benefits available from polyalkylene
oxide polysiloxane surfactants include antistatic benefits,
lubricity, and improvements in fabric appearance.
[0082] The preparation of polyalkylene oxide polysiloxanes is well
known in the art. Polyalkylene oxide polysiloxanes of the present
invention can be prepared according to the procedure set forth in
U.S. Pat. No. 3,299,112, incorporated herein by reference.
Typically, polyalkylene oxide polysiloxanes of the surfactant blend
of the present invention are readily prepared by an addition
reaction between a hydrosiloxane (i.e., a siloxane containing
silicon-bonded hydrogen) and an alkenyl ether (e.g., a vinyl,
allyl, or methallyl ether) of an alkoxy or hydroxy end-blocked
polyalkylene oxide). The reaction conditions employed in addition
reactions of this type are well known in the art and in general
involve heating the reactants (e.g., at a temperature of from about
85.degree. C. to 110.degree. C.) in the presence of a platinum
catalyst (e.g., chloroplatinic acid) and a solvent (e.g.,
toluene).
[0083] (b) Nonionic Surfactant
[0084] A preferred, but nonlimiting, type of nonionic surfactant is
alkyl ethoxylated surfactant, such as addition products of ethylene
oxide with fatty alcohols, fatty acids, fatty amines, etc.
Optionally, addition products of mixtures of ethylene oxide and
propylene oxide with fatty alcohols, fatty acids, fatty amines can
be used. The ethoxylated surfactant includes compounds having the
general formula:
R.sup.8-Z-(CH.sub.2CH.sub.2O).sub.SB
[0085] wherein R.sup.8 is an alkyl group or an alkyl aryl group,
selected from the group consisting of primary, secondary and
branched chain alkyl hydrocarbyl groups, primary, secondary and
branched chain alkenyl hydrocarbyl groups, and/or primary,
secondary and branched chain alkyl- and alkenyl-substituted
phenolic hydrocarbyl groups having from about 6 to about 20 carbon
atoms, preferably from about 8 to about 18, more preferably from
about 10 to about 15 carbon atoms; s is an integer from about 2 to
about 45, preferably from about 2 to about 20, more preferably from
about 2 to about 15; B is hydrogen, a carboxylate group, or a
sulfate group; and linking group Z is selected from the group
consisting of: --O--, --N(R).sub.x--, --C(O)O--, --C(O)N(R)--,
--C(O)N(R)--, and mixtures thereof, in which R, when present, is
R.sup.8, a lower alkyl with about 1 to about 4 carbons, a
polyalkylene oxide, or hydrogen, and x is 1 or 2.
[0086] The nonionic alkyl ethoxylated surfactants herein are
characterized by an HLB (hydrophilic-lipophilic balance) of from
about 5 to about 20, preferably from about 6 to about 15.
[0087] Nonlimiting examples of preferred alkyl ethoxylated
surfactants are:
[0088] straight-chain, primary alcohol ethoxylates, with R.sup.8
being C.sub.8-C.sub.18 alkyl and/or alkenyl group, more preferably
C10-C14, and s being from about 2 to about 8, preferably from about
2 to about 6;
[0089] straight-chain, secondary alcohol ethoxylates, with R.sup.8
being C.sub.8-C.sub.18 alkyl and/or alkenyl, e.g., 3-hexadecyl,
2-octadecyl, 4-eicosanyl, and 5-eicosanyl, and s being from about 2
to about 10;
[0090] alkyl phenol ethoxylates wherein the alkyl phenols having an
alkyl or alkenyl group containing from about 3 to about 20 carbon
atoms in a primary, secondary or branched chain configuration,
preferably from about 6 to about 12 carbon atoms, and s is from
about 2 to about 12, preferably from about 2 to about 8;
[0091] branched chain alcohol ethoxylates, wherein branched chain
primary and secondary alcohols (or Guerbet alcohols) which are
available, e.g., from the well-known "OXO" process, or modification
thereof, are ethoxylated.
[0092] Especially preferred are alkyl ethoxylate surfactants with
each R.sup.8 being C.sub.8-C.sub.16 straight chain and/or branch
chain alkyl and the number of ethyleneoxy groups s being from about
2 to about 6, preferably from about 2 to about 4, more preferably
with R.sup.8 being C.sub.8-C.sub.15 alkyl and s being from about
2.25 to about 3.5. These nonionic surfactants are characterized by
an HLB of from 6 to about 11, preferably from about 6.5 to about
9.5, and more preferably from about 7 to about 9. Nonlimiting
examples of commercially available preferred surfactants are Neodol
91-2.5 (C.sub.9-C.sub.10, s=2.7, HLB=8.5), Neodol 23-3
(C.sub.12-C.sub.13, s=2.9, HLB=7.9) and Neodol 25-3
(C.sub.12-C.sub.15, s=2.8, HLB=7.5). It is found, very
surprisingly, that these preferred surfactants which are themselves
not very water soluble (0.1% aqueous solutions of these surfactants
are not clear), can at low levels, effectively emulsify and or
disperse silicone oils and these surfactants can also solubilize
and/or disperse shape retention polymers such as copolymers
containing acrylic acid and tert-butyl acrylate into clear
compositions, even without the presence of a low molecular weight
alcohol. Many nonlimiting examples of suitable nonionic surfactants
are given in the table below.
[0093] Other useful nonionic alkyl alkoxylated surfactants are
ethoxylated alkyl amines derived from the condensation of ethylene
oxide with hydrophobic alkyl amines, with R.sup.8 having from about
8 to about 22 carbon atoms and s being from about 3 to about
30.
[0094] Other examples of useful ethoxylated surfactants include
carboxylated alcohol ethoxylate, also known as ether carboxylate,
with R.sup.8 having from about 12 to about 16 carbon atoms and s
being from about 5 to about 13; ethoxylated alkyl amine or
quaternary ammonium surfactants, R.sup.8 having from about 8 to
about 22 carbon atoms and s being from about 3 to about 30, such as
PEG-5 cocomonium methosulfate, PEG-15 cocomonium chloride, PEG-15
oleammonium chloride and bis(polyethoxyethanol)tallow ammonium
chloride.
[0095] Additional suitable nonionic surfactants include surfactants
derived from carbohydrates such as sorbitan esters, especially
sorbitan monoesters, also alkyl glucosides, and alkyl
polyglucosides. A specific description of many surfactants which
are derived from carbohydrates can be found in Handbook of
Surfactants, M. R. Porter, 1991, Blackie & Son Ltd, pp.
142-145. Glucamines are additional examples of surfactants derived
from carbohydrates and are included herein by reference to U.S.
Pat. No. 5,194,639 issued Mar. 16, 1993 to D. S. Connor, J. J.
Scheibel, and R. G. Severson; U.S. Pat. No. 5,338,487 issued Aug.
16, 1993 to D.S. Connor, J. J. Scheibel, and J.-N. Kao; U.S. Pat.
No. 5,489,393 issued Feb. 6, 1996 to D. S. Connor, J. J. Scheibel,
and Y. C. Fu; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,512,699 issued Apr. 30, 1996 to
D. S. Connor, Y. C. Fu, and J. J. Scheibel. Preferred alkyl
polyglucosides are those having aqueous surface tension below about
35 mN/m such as AG 6202 and AG6210 from Akzo Nobel Chemicals, Inc.,
Chicago, Ill.
4TABLE 1 Nonlimiting Examples of Some Suitable Nonionic
Surfactants. HLB Name Structure Value Suppliers Neodol .RTM. 91-2.5
C.sub.9-C.sub.10-2.7 EO 8.5 Shell Chemical Co. Neodol .RTM. 23-1
C.sub.12-C.sub.13-1.0 EO 3.7 Shell Chemical Co. Neodol .RTM. 23-2
C.sub.12-C.sub.13-2.0 EO 5.9 Shell Chemical Co. Neodol .RTM. 23-3
C.sub.12-C.sub.13-2.9 EO 7.9 Shell Chemical Co. Neodol .RTM. 25-3
C.sub.12-C.sub.15-2.8 EO 7.5 Shell Chemical Co. Neodol .RTM. 23-5
C.sub.12-C.sub.13-5.0 EO 10.7 Shell Chemical Co. Neodol .RTM. 25-9
C.sub.12-C.sub.15-8.9 EO 13.1 Shell Chemical Co. Neodol .RTM. 25-12
C.sub.12-C.sub.15-11.9 EO 14.4 Shell Chemical Co. Hetoxol .RTM.
TD-3 C13-3 EO 7.9 Heterene Inc. Hetoxol .RTM. OL-5 Oleyl-5 EO 8.0
Heterene Inc. Kessco .RTM. PEG-8 Oleoyl-8 EO 11.0 Stepan Co.
Mono-oleate Kessco .RTM. Glycerol Glyceryl mono-oleate 3.8 Stepan
Co. monooleate Arlacel .RTM. 20 Sorbitan mono-laurate 8.6 ICI
Americas
[0096] (c) Ionic Surfactant
[0097] Nonlimiting preferred ionic surfactants are the class of
anionic surfactants. Anionic surfactants are preferred ionic
surfactants since they are least likely to leave residues. Many
suitable nonlimiting examples from the class of anionic surfactants
can be found in Surfactants and Interfacial Phenomena, 2.sup.nd
Ed., Milton J. Rosen, 1989, John Wiley & Sons, Inc., pp. 7-16,
which is hereby incorporated by reference. Additional suitable
nonlimiting examples of anionic surfactants can be found in
Handbook of Surfactants, M. R. Porter, 1991, Blackie & Son Ltd,
pp. 54-115 and references therein, the disclosure of which is
incorporated herein by reference.
[0098] Structurally, suitable anionic surfactants contain at least
one hydrophobic moiety and at least one hydrophilic moiety. The
surfactant can contain multiple hydrophobic moieties and/or
multiple hydrophilic moieties, but preferably less than or equal to
about 2 hydrophobic moieties and less than or equal to about 3
hydrophilic moieties. The hydrophobic moiety is typically comprised
of hydrocarbons either as an alkyl group or an alkyl-aryl group.
Alkyl groups typically contain from about 6 to about 22 carbons,
preferably about 10 to about 18 carbons, and more preferably from
about 12 to about 16 carbons; aryl groups typically contain alkyl
groups containing from about 4 to about 6 carbons. Each alkyl group
can be a branched or linear chain and is either saturated or
unsaturated. A typical aryl group is benzene. Some typical
hydrophilic groups for anionic surfactants include but are not
limited to --CO.sub.2.sup.-, --OSO.sub.3.sup.-, --SO.sub.3.sup.-,
--(OR.sub.1).sub.x--CO.sub.2.sup.-,
--(OR.sub.1).sub.x--OSO.sub.3.sup.-,
--(OR.sub.1).sub.x--SO.sub.3.sup.- where x is being less than about
10 and preferably less than about 5. Some nonlimiting examples of
suitable surfactants includes, Stepanol.RTM. WAC, Biosoft.RTM. 40
(Stepan Co., Northfield, Ill.).
[0099] Anionic surfactants can also be created by sulfating or
sulfonating animal or vegetable based oils. An example of these
type of surfactants include sulfated canola oil and sulfated castor
oil (Freedom SCO-75) available from the Freedom Chemical Co.,
Charlotte N.C. (owned by B F Goodrich).
[0100] Other suitable ionic surfactants include the cationic and
amphoteric surfactants. Nonlimiting examples of these classes of
surfactants can be found in Handbook of Surfactants, M. R. Porter,
1991, Blackie & Son Ltd, pp. 179-202 as well as in Surfactants
and Interfacial Phenomena, 2.sup.nd Ed., Milton J. Rosen, 1989,
John Wiley & Sons, Inc., pp. 17-20 and pp. 28-31 and references
therein, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated herein by
reference.
[0101] (d) Zwitterionic Surfactants
[0102] Zwitterionics are suitable for use in the present invention.
Zwitterionic surfactants, also referred to as amphoteric
surfactants comprise moieties that can have both negative and
positive charges. Zwitterionics have advantages over other
surfactants since these are less irritating to the skin and yet
still provide good wetting. Some nonlimiting examples of
zwitterionic surfactants useful for the present invention are:
betaines, amine-oxides, sulfobetaines, sultaines, glycinates,
aminoipropionates, imidazoline-based amphoterics. Various
zwitterionic surfactants are disclosed in the "Handbook of
Surfactants" by M. R. Porter, Chapman & Hall, 1991 and
references therein and in "Surfactants and Interfacial Phenomena"
by M. Rosen, 2.sup.nd Ed., John Wiley & Sons, 1989 and
references therein. Zwitterionics disclosed in the "Handbook of
Surfactants" and in "Surfactants and Interfacial Phenomena" and
references therein are incorporated herein by reference.
[0103] (e) Fluorine-Based Surfactants
[0104] Fluorocarbon surfactants comprise the class of surfactants
wherein the hydrophobic part of the amphiphile comprises at least
in part some portion of a carbon-based linear or cyclic moiety
having fluorines attached to the carbon where typically hydrogens
would be attached to the carbons together with a hydrophilic head
group. Some typical nonlimiting fluorocarbon surfactants include
fluorinated alkyl polyoxyalkylene, and fluorinated alkyl esters as
well as ionic surfactants. Representative structures for these
compounds are given below:
[0105] (1) R.sub.fR(R.sub.1O).sub.xR.sub.2
[0106] (2) R.sub.fR--OC(O)R.sub.3
[0107] (3) R.sub.fR--Y-Z
[0108] (4) R.sub.fRZ
[0109] where R.sub.f contains from about 6 to about 18 carbons each
having from about 0 to about 3 fluorines attached; R is either an
alkyl or alkylene oxide group which when present, has from about 1
to about 10 carbons; R.sub.1 represents an alkylene radical having
from about 1 to about 4 carbons; R.sub.2 is either a hydrogen or a
small alkyl capping group having from about 1 to about 3 carbons;
and R.sub.3 represents a hydrocarbon moiety comprising from about 2
to about 22 including the carbon on the ester group. This
hydrocarbon can be linear, branched or cyclic saturated or
unsaturated and contained moieties based on oxygen, nitrogen, and
sulfur including, but not limited to ethers, alcohols, esters,
carboxylates, amides, amines, thio-esters, and thiols; these
oxygen, nitrogen, and sulfur moieties can either interrupt the
hydrocabon chain or be pendant on the hydrocarbon chain. In
structure 3, Y represents a hydrocarbon group that can be an alkyl,
pyridine group, amidopropyl, etc. that acts as a linking group
between the fluorinated chain and the hydrophilic head group. In
structures 3 and 4, Z represents a cationic, anionic, and
amphoteric hydrophilic head groups including, but not limited to
carboxylates, sulfates, sulfonates, quaternary ammonium groups, and
betaines. Nonlimiting commercially available examples of these
structures include Zonyl.RTM. 9075, FSO, FSN, FS-300, FS-310,
FSN-100, FSO-100, FTS, TBC from DuPont and Fluorad.TM. surfactants
FC-430, FC-431, FC-740, FC-99, FC-120, FC-754, FC 170C, and FC-171
from the 3M.TM. company in St. Paul, Minn.
[0110] 2. Solvents and Plasticizers
[0111] Solvents and plasticizers act to aid the natural ability of
water to plasticize fibers. Acceptable solvents and plasticizers
include compounds having from one to ten carbons. The following
non-limiting classes of compounds are suitable: mono-alcohols,
diols, polyhydric alcohols, ethers, ketones, esters, organic acids,
and alkyl glyceryl ethers, and hydrocarbons. Preferred solvents are
soluble in water and/or miscible in the presence of optional
surfactant. Some nonlimiting examples include methanol, ethanol,
isopropanol, hexanol, 1,2-hexanediol, hexylene glycol, (e.g.
2-methyl-2,4-pentanediol), isopropylene glycol
(3-methyl-1,3-butanediol), 1,2-butylene glycol, 2,3-butylene
glycol, 1,3-butylene glycol, 1,4-butylene glycol, 1,3-propylene
glycol, 1,2-propylene glycol, isomers of cyclohexanedimethanol,
isomers of propanediol, isomers of butanediol, the isomers of
trimethylpentanediol, the isomers of ethylmethylpentanediol,
alcohol ethoxylates of 2-ethyl-1,3-hexanediol,
2,2,4-trimethyl-1,3-pentanediol, alcohol ethoxylates of
2,2,4-trimethyl-1,3-pentanediol glycerol, ethylene glycol,
diethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, sorbitol, butoxy ethoxy
ethanol, 3-methyl-3-methoxybutanol, 3-methoxybutanol,
1-ethoxy-2-propanol, diethylene glycol monoethyl ether, diethylene
glycol monopropyl ether, diethylene glycol monobutyl ether,
triethylene glycol monoethyl ether, erythritol, and mixtures of
solvents and plasticizers.
[0112] Water immiscible solvents may also be used to advantage.
Specifically, when a water immiscible solvent is used, an
emulsifying system such as a surfactant or a combinations of
surfactants is preferred to render the solvent miscible. When
optional cyclodextrin is present, the plasticizer should be
compatible with it. Mixtures of solvents are also suitable.
[0113] When solvent is used, it is used typically at a level of at
least about 0.5%, preferably at least about 1%, more preferably at
least about 2%, even more preferably at least about 3% and still
more preferably at least about 4% and typically less than about
30%, preferably less than about 25%, more preferably less than
about 20%, even more preferably less than about 15% by weight of
the composition.
[0114] 3. Malodor Control Agent
[0115] The compositions for odor control are of the type disclosed
in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,534,165; 5,578,563; 5,663,134; 5,668,097;
5,670,475; and 5,714,137, Trinh et al. issued Jul. 9, 1996; Nov.
26, 1996; Sep. 2, 1997; Sep. 16, 1997; Sep. 23, 1997; and Feb. 3,
1998 respectively, all of said patents being incorporated herein by
reference. Such compositions can contain several different optional
odor control agents in addition to the polymers described
hereinbefore that can control amine odors.
[0116] (a) Cyclodextrin
[0117] As used herein, the term "cyclodextrin" includes any of the
known cyclodextrins such as unsubstituted cyclodextrins containing
from six to twelve glucose units, especially, alpha-cyclodextrin,
beta-cyclodextrin, gamma-cyclodextrin and/or their derivatives
and/or mixtures thereof. The alpha-cyclodextrin consists of six
glucose units, the beta-cyclodextrin consists of seven glucose
units, and the gamma-cyclodextrin consists of eight glucose units
arranged in donut-shaped rings. The specific coupling and
conformation of the glucose units give the cyclodextrins a rigid,
conical molecular structures with hollow interiors of specific
volumes. The "lining" of each internal cavity is formed by hydrogen
atoms and glycosidic bridging oxygen atoms; therefore, this surface
is fairly hydrophobic. The unique shape and physical-chemical
properties of the cavity enable the cyclodextrin molecules to
absorb (form inclusion complexes with) organic molecules or parts
of organic molecules which can fit into the cavity. Many odorous
molecules can fit into the cavity including many malodorous
molecules and perfume molecules. Therefore, cyclodextrins, and
especially mixtures of cyclodextrins with different size cavities,
can be used to control odors caused by a broad spectrum of organic
odoriferous materials, which may, or may not, contain reactive
functional groups. The complexation between cyclodextrin and
odorous molecules occurs rapidly in the presence of water. However,
the extent of the complex formation also depends on the polarity of
the absorbed molecules. In an aqueous solution, strongly
hydrophilic molecules (those which are highly water-soluble) are
only partially absorbed, if at all. Therefore, cyclodextrin does
not complex effectively with some very low molecular weight organic
amines and acids when they are present at low levels on wet
fabrics. As the water is being removed however, e.g., the fabric is
being dried off, some low molecular weight organic amines and acids
have more affinity and will complex with the cyclodextrins more
readily.
[0118] The cavities within the cyclodextrin in the solution of the
present invention should remain essentially unfilled (the
cyclodextrin remains uncomplexed) while in solution, in order to
allow the cyclodextrin to absorb various odor molecules when the
solution is applied to a surface. Non-derivatised (normal)
beta-cyclodextrin can be present at a level up to its solubility
limit of about 1.85% (about 1.85 g in 100 grams of water) at room
temperature. Beta-cyclodextrin is not preferred in compositions
which call for a level of cyclodextrin higher than its water
solubility limit. Non-derivatised beta-cyclodextrin is generally
not preferred when the composition contains surfactant since it
affects the surface activity of most of the preferred surfactants
that are compatible with the derivatised cyclodextrins.
[0119] Preferably, the cyclodextrins used in the present invention
are highly water-soluble such as, alpha-cyclodextrin and/or
derivatives thereof, gamma-cyclodextrin and/or derivatives thereof,
derivatised beta-cyclodextrins, and/or mixtures thereof. The
derivatives of cyclodextrin consist mainly of molecules wherein
some of the OH groups are converted to OR groups. Cyclodextrin
derivatives include, e.g., those with short chain alkyl groups such
as methylated cyclodextrins, and ethylated cyclodextrins, wherein R
is a methyl or an ethyl group; those with hydroxyalkyl substituted
groups, such as hydroxypropyl cyclodextrins and/or hydroxyethyl
cyclodextrins, wherein R is a --CH.sub.2--CH(OH)--CH.- sub.3 or a
--CH.sub.2CH.sub.2--OH group; branched cyclodextrins such as
maltose-bonded cyclodextrins; cationic cyclodextrins such as those
containing 2-hydroxy-3-(dimethylamino)propyl ether, wherein R is
CH.sub.2--CH(OH)--CH.sub.2--N(CH.sub.3).sub.2 which is cationic at
low pH; quaternary ammonium, e.g.,
2-hydroxy-3-(trimethylammonio)propyl ether chloride groups, wherein
R is CH.sub.2--CH(OH)--CH.sub.2--N.sup.+(CH.sub.- 3).sub.3Cl.sup.-;
anionic cyclodextrins such as carboxymethyl cyclodextrins,
cyclodextrin sulfates, and cyclodextrin succinylates; amphoteric
cyclodextrins such as carboxymethyl/quaternary ammonium
cyclodextrins; cyclodextrins wherein at least one glucopyranose
unit has a 3-6-anhydro-cyclomalto structure, e.g., the
mono-3-6-anhydrocyclodextri- ns, as disclosed in "Optimal
Performances with Minimal Chemical Modification of Cyclodextrins",
F. Diedaini-Pilard and B. Perly, The 7th International Cyclodextrin
Symposium Abstracts, April 1994, p. 49, said references being
incorporated herein by reference; and mixtures thereof. Other
cyclodextrin derivatives are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,426,011,
Parmerter et al., issued Feb. 4, 1969; U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,453,257;
3,453,258; 3,453,259; and 3,453,260, all in the names of Parmerter
et al., and all issued Jul. 1, 1969; 3,459,731, Gramera et al.,
issued Aug. 5, 1969; 3,553,191, Parmerter et al., issued Jan. 5,
1971; 3,565,887, Parmerter et al., issued Feb. 23, 1971; 4,535,152,
Szejtli et al., issued Aug. 13, 1985; 4,616,008, Hirai et al.,
issued Oct. 7, 1986; 4,678,598, Ogino et al., issued Jul. 7, 1987;
4,638,058, Brandt et al., issued Jan. 20, 1987; and 4,746,734,
Tsuchiyama et al., issued May 24, 1988; all of said patents being
incorporated herein by reference.
[0120] Highly water-soluble cyclodextrins are those having water
solubility of at least about 10 g in 100 ml of water at room
temperature, preferably at least about 20 g in 100 ml of water,
more preferably at least about 25 g in 100 ml of water at room
temperature. The availability of solubilized, uncomplexed
cyclodextrins is essential for effective and efficient odor control
performance. Solubilized, water-soluble cyclodextrin can exhibit
more efficient odor control performance than non-water-soluble
cyclodextrin when deposited onto surfaces, especially fabric.
[0121] Examples of preferred water-soluble cyclodextrin derivatives
suitable for use herein are hydroxypropyl alpha-cyclodextrin,
methylated alpha-cyclodextrin, methylated beta-cyclodextrin,
hydroxyethyl beta-cyclodextrin, and hydroxypropyl
beta-cyclodextrin. Hydroxyalkyl cyclodextrin derivatives preferably
have a degree of substitution of from about 1 to about 14, more
preferably from about 1.5 to about 7, wherein the total number of
OR groups per cyclodextrin is defined as the degree of
substitution. Methylated cyclodextrin derivatives typically have a
degree of substitution of from about 1 to about 18, preferably from
about 3 to about 16. A known methylated beta-cyclodextrin is
heptakis-2,6-di-O-methyl-.beta.-cyclodextrin, commonly known as
DIMEB, in which each glucose unit has about 2 methyl groups with a
degree of substitution of about 14. A preferred, more commercially
available, methylated beta-cyclodextrin is a randomly methylated
beta-cyclodextrin, commonly known as RAMEB, having different
degrees of substitution, normally of about 12.6. RAMEB is more
preferred than DIMEB, since DIMEB affects the surface activity of
the preferred surfactants more than RAMEB. The preferred
cyclodextrins are available, e.g., from Cerestar USA, Inc. and
Wacker Chemicals (USA), Inc.
[0122] It is also preferable to use a mixture of cyclodextrins.
Such mixtures absorb odors more broadly by complexing with a wider
range of odoriferous molecules having a wider range of molecular
sizes. Preferably at least a portion of the cyclodextrins is
alpha-cyclodextrin and its derivatives thereof, gamma-cyclodextrin
and its derivatives thereof, and/or derivatised beta-cyclodextrin,
more preferably a mixture of alpha-cyclodextrin, or an
alpha-cyclodextrin derivative, and derivatised beta-cyclodextrin,
even more preferably a mixture of derivatised alpha-cyclodextrin
and derivatised beta-cyclodextrin, most preferably a mixture of
hydroxypropyl alpha-cyclodextrin and hydroxypropyl
beta-cyclodextrin, and/or a mixture of methylated
alpha-cyclodextrin and methylated beta-cyclodextrin.
[0123] Preferably, the solution used to treat the surface under
usage conditions is virtually not discernible when dry. Typical
levels of cyclodextrin in usage compositions for usage conditions
are from about 0.01% to about 5%, preferably from about 0.1% to
about 4%, more preferably from about 0.5% to about 2% by weight of
the composition. Compositions with higher concentrations can leave
unacceptable visible stains on fabrics as the solution evaporates
off of the fabric. This is especially a problem on thin, colored,
synthetic fabrics. In order to avoid or minimize the occurrence of
fabric staining, it is preferable that the fabric be treated at a
level of less than about 5 mg of cyclodextrin per gram of fabric,
more preferably less than about 2 mg of cyclodextrin per gram of
fabric. The presence of the surfactant can improve appearance by
minimizing localized spotting.
[0124] When it is desired to incorporate cyclodextrin into a
concentrated product, the cyclodextrin level is typically from
about 3% to about 20%, more preferably from about 5% to about 10%,
by weight of the concentrated composition, it is preferable to
dilute the concentrated composition before treating fabrics in
order to avoid staining. The resulting diluted compostion have
usage concentrations of cyclodextrin as discussed hereinbefore,
e.g., of from about 0.1% to about 5%, by weight of the diluted
composition.
[0125] Cyclodextrin Preservative
[0126] Optionally, but desirably if cyclodextrin is present,
preferably solubilized; water-soluble, antimicrobial preservative
can be added to the composition of the present invention if the
antimicrobial material is not sufficient to protect the
cyclodextrin, or is not present, because cyclodextrin molecules are
made up of varying numbers of glucose units which can make them a
prime breeding ground for certain microorganisms, especially when
in aqueous compositions. This drawback can lead to the problem of
storage stability of cyclodextrin solutions for any significant
length of time. Contamination by certain microorganisms with
subsequent microbial growth can result in an unsightly and/or
malodorous solution. Because microbial growth in cyclodextrin
solutions is highly objectionable when it occurs, it is highly
preferable to include a solubilized, water-soluble, antimicrobial
preservative, which is effective for inhibiting and/or regulating
microbial growth in order to increase storage stability of the
preferably clear, aqueous odor-absorbing solution containing
water-soluble cyclodextrin.
[0127] It is preferable to use a broad spectrum preservative, e.g.,
one that is effective on both bacteria (both gram positive and gram
negative) and fungi. A limited spectrum preservative, e.g., one
that is only effective on a single group of microorganisms, e.g.,
fungi, can be used in combination with a broad spectrum
preservative or other limited spectrum preservatives with
complimentary and/or supplementary activity. A mixture of broad
spectrum preservatives can also be used. In some cases where a
specific group of microbial contaminants is problematic (such as
Gram negatives), aminocarboxylate chelators may be used alone or as
potentiators in conjunction with other preservatives. These
chelators which include, e.g., ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid
(EDTA), hydroxyethylenediaminetriacetic acid,
diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid, and other aminocarboxylate
chelators, and mixtures thereof, and their salts, and mixtures
thereof, can increase preservative effectiveness against
Gram-negative bacteria, especially Pseudomonas species.
[0128] Antimicrobial preservatives useful in the present invention
include biocidal compounds, i.e., substances that kill
microorganisms, or biostatic compounds, i.e., substances that
inhibit and/or regulate the growth of microorganisms. Suitable
preservatives are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,534,165; 5,578,563;
5,663,134; 5,668,097; 5,670,475; and 5,714,137, Trinh et al. issued
Jul. 9, 1996; Nov. 26, 1996; Sep. 2, 1997; Sep. 16, 1997; Sep. 23,
1997; and Feb. 3, 1998 respectively, all of said patents being
incorporated hereinbefore by reference. Preferred antimicrobial
preservatives are those that are water-soluble and are effective at
low levels because the organic preservatives can form inclusion
complexes with the cyclodextrin molecules and compete with the
malodorous molecules for the cyclodextrin cavities, thus rendering
the cyclodextrins ineffective as odor controlling actives.
Water-soluble preservatives useful in the present invention are
those that have a solubility in water of at least about 0.3 g per
100 ml of water, i.e., greater than about 0.3% at room temperature,
preferably greater than about 0.5% at room temperature. These types
of preservatives have a lower affinity to the cyclodextrin cavity,
at least in the aqueous phase, and are therefore more available to
provide antimicrobial activity. Preservatives with a
water-solubility of less than about 0.3% and a molecular structure
that readily fits into the cyclodextrin cavity, have a greater
tendency to form inclusion complexes with the cyclodextrin
molecules, thus rendering the preservative less effective to
control microbes in the cyclodextrin solution.
[0129] The water-soluble antimicrobial preservative in the present
invention is included at an effective amount. The term "effective
amount" as herein defined means a level sufficient to prevent
spoilage, or prevent growth of inadvertently added microorganisms,
for a specific period of time. In other words, the preservative is
not being used to kill microorganisms on the surface onto which the
composition is deposited in order to eliminate odors produced by
microorganisms. Instead, it is preferably being used to prevent
spoilage of the cyclodextrin solution in order to increase the
shelf-life of the composition. Preferred levels of preservative are
from about 0.0001% to about 0.5%, more preferably from about
0.0002% to about 0.2%, most preferably from about 0.0003% to about
0.1%, by weight of the usage composition.
[0130] In order to reserve most of the cyclodextrins for odor
control, the cyclodextrin to preservative molar ratio should be
greater than about 5:1, preferably greater than about 10:1, more
preferably greater than about 50:1, even more preferably greater
than about 100:1.
[0131] The preservative can be any organic preservative material
which will not cause damage to fabric appearance, e.g.,
discoloration, coloration, bleaching. Preferred water-soluble
preservatives include organic sulfur compounds, halogenated
compounds, cyclic organic nitrogen compounds, low molecular weight
aldehydes, quaternary ammonium compounds, dehydroacetic acid,
phenyl and phenolic compounds, and mixtures thereof.
[0132] The preservatives of the present invention can be used in
mixtures in order to control a broad range of microorganisms.
[0133] (b) Low Molecular Weight Polyols
[0134] Low molecular weight polyols with relatively high boiling
points, as compared to water, such as ethylene glycol, propylene
glycol and/or glycerol are preferred optional ingredients for
improving odor control performance of the composition of the
present invention, especially when cyclodextrin is present. The
incorporation of a small amount of low molecular weight glycols
into the composition of the present invention typically enhances
the formation of the cyclodextrin inclusion complexes as the fabric
dries.
[0135] The polyols' ability to remain on the fabric for a longer
period of time than water, as the fabric dries, typically allows it
to form ternary complexes with the cyclodextrin and some malodorous
molecules. The addition of the glycols tends to fill up void space
in the cyclodextrin cavity that is unable to be filled by some
malodor molecules of relatively smaller sizes. Preferably the
glycol used is glycerin, ethylene glycol, propylene glycol,
diethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol or mixtures thereof, and more
preferably ethylene glycol and/or propylene glycol. Cyclodextrins
prepared by processes that result in a level of such polyols are
highly desirable, since they can be used without removal of the
polyols.
[0136] Some polyols, e.g., dipropylene glycol, are also useful to
facilitate the solubilization of some perfume ingredients in the
composition of the present invention.
[0137] Typically, glycol is added to the composition of the present
invention at a level of from about 0.01% to about 3%, by weight of
the composition, preferably from about 0.05% to about 1%, more
preferably from about 0.1% to about 0.5%, by weight of the
composition. The preferred weight ratio of low molecular weight
polyol to cyclodextrin is from about 2:1,000 to about 20:100, more
preferably from about 3:1,000 to about 15:100, even more preferably
from about 5:1,000 to about 10:100, and most preferably from about
1:100 to about 7:100.
[0138] (c) Metal Salts
[0139] Optionally, but highly preferred, the present invention can
include metallic salts for added odor absorption and/or
antimicrobial benefit for the cyclodextrin solution when
cyclodextrin is present. The metallic salts are selected from the
group consisting of copper salts, zinc salts, and mixtures
thereof.
[0140] Copper salts have some antimicrobial benefits. Specifically,
cupric abietate acts as a fungicide, copper acetate acts as a
mildew inhibitor, cupric chloride acts as a fungicide, copper
lactate acts as a fungicide, and copper sulfate acts as a
germicide. Copper salts also possess some malodor control
abilities. See U.S. Pat. No. 3,172,817, Leupold, et al., which
discloses deodorizing compositions for treating disposable
articles, comprising at least slightly water-soluble salts of
acylacetone, including copper salts and zinc salts, all of said
patents are incorporated herein by reference.
[0141] The preferred zinc salts possess malodor control abilities.
Zinc has been used most often for its ability to ameliorate
malodor, e.g., in mouth wash products, as disclosed in U.S. Pat.
Nos. 4,325,939, issued Apr. 20, 1982 and 4,469,674, issued Sep. 4,
1983, to N. B. Shah, et al., all of which are incorporated herein
by reference. Highly-ionized and soluble zinc salts such as zinc
chloride, provide the best source of zinc ions. Zinc borate
functions as a fungistat and a mildew inhibitor, zinc caprylate
functions as a fungicide, zinc chloride provides antiseptic and
deodorant benefits, zinc ricinoleate functions as a fungicide, zinc
sulfate heptahydrate functions as a fungicide and zinc undecylenate
functions as a fungistat.
[0142] Preferably the metallic salts are water-soluble zinc salts,
copper salts or mixtures thereof, and more preferably zinc salts,
especially ZnCl.sub.2. These salts are preferably present in the
present invention primarily to absorb amine and sulfur-containing
compounds that have molecular sizes too small to be effectively
complexed with the cyclodextrin molecules. Low molecular weight
sulfur-containing materials, e.g., sulfide and mercaptans, are
components of many types of malodors, e.g., food odors (garlic,
onion), body/perspiration odor, breath odor, etc. Low molecular
weight amines are also components of many malodors, e.g., food
odors, body odors, urine, etc.
[0143] When metallic salts are added to the composition of the
present invention they are typically present at a level of from
about 0.1% to about 10%, preferably from about 0.2% to about 8%,
more preferably from about 0.3% to about 5% by weight of the usage
composition.
[0144] (d) Soluble Carbonate and/or Bicarbonate Salts
[0145] Water-soluble alkali metal carbonate and/or bicarbonate
salts, such as sodium bicarbonate, potassium bicarbonate, potassium
carbonate, cesium carbonate, sodium carbonate, and mixtures thereof
can be added to the composition of the present invention in order
to help to control certain acid-type odors. Preferred salts are
sodium carbonate monohydrate, potassium carbonate, sodium
bicarbonate, potassium bicarbonate, and mixtures thereof. When
these salts are added to the composition of the present invention,
they are typically present at a level of from about 0.1% to about
5%, preferably from about 0.2% to about 3%, more preferably from
about 0.3% to about 2%, by weight of the composition. When these
salts are added to the composition of the present invention it is
preferably that incompatible metal salts not be present in the
invention. Preferably, when these salts are used the composition
should be essentially free of zinc and other incompatible metal
ions, e.g., Ca, Fe, Ba, etc. which form water-insoluble salts.
[0146] (e) Enzymes
[0147] Enzymes can be used to control certain types of malodor,
especially malodor from urine and other types of excretions,
including regurgitated materials. Proteases are especially
desirable. The activity of commercial enzymes depends very much on
the type and purity of the enzyme being considered. Enzymes that
are water soluble proteases like pepsin, tripsin, ficin, bromelin,
papain, rennin, and mixtures thereof are particularly useful.
[0148] Enzymes are normally incorporated at levels sufficient to
provide up to about 5 mg by weight, preferably from about 0.001 mg
to about 3 mg, more preferably from about 0.002 mg to about 1 mg,
of active enzyme per gram of the aqueous compositions. Stated
otherwise, the aqueous compositions herein can comprise from about
0.0001% to about 0.5%, preferably from about 0.001% to about 0.3%,
more preferably from about 0.005% to about 0.2% by weight of a
commercial enzyme preparation. Protease enzymes are usually present
in such commercial preparations at levels sufficient to provide
from 0.0005 to 0.1 Anson units (AU) of activity per gram of aqueous
composition.
[0149] Nonlimiting examples of suitable, commercially available,
water soluble proteases are pepsin, tripsin, ficin, bromelin,
papain, rennin, and mixtures thereof. Papain can be isolated, e.g.,
from papaya latex, and is available commercially in the purified
form of up to, e.g., about 80% protein, or cruder, technical grade
of much lower activity. Other suitable examples of proteases are
the subtilisins which are obtained from particular strains of B.
subtilis and B. licheniforms. Another suitable protease is obtained
from a strain of Bacillus, having maximum activity throughout the
pH range of 8-12, developed and sold by Novo Industries A/S under
the registered trade name ESPERASE . The preparation of this enzyme
and analogous enzymes is described in British Patent Specification
No. 1,243,784 of Novo. Proteolytic enzymes suitable for removing
protein-based stains that are commercially available include those
sold under the trade names ALCALASE.RTM. and SAVINASE.RTM. by Novo
Industries A/S (Denmark) and MAXATASE.RTM. by International
Bio-Synthetics, Inc. (The Netherlands). Other proteases include
Protease A (see European Patent Application 130,756, published Jan.
9, 1985); Protease B (see European Patent Application Serial No.
87303761.8, filed Apr. 28, 1987, and European Patent Application
130,756, Bott et al, published Jan. 9, 1985); and proteases made by
Genencor International, Inc., according to one or more of the
following patents: Caldwell et al, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,185,258,
5,204,015 and 5,244,791.
[0150] A wide range of enzyme materials and means for their
incorporation into liquid compositions are also disclosed in U.S.
Pat. No. 3,553,139, issued Jan. 5, 1971 to McCarty et al. Enzymes
are further disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,101,457, Place et al,
issued Jul. 18, 1978, and in U.S. Pat. No. 4,507,219, Hughes,
issued Mar. 26, 1985. Other enzyme materials useful for liquid
formulations, and their incorporation into such formulations, are
disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,261,868, Hora et al, issued Apr. 14,
1981. Enzymes can be stabilized by various techniques, e.g., those
disclosed and exemplified in U.S. Pat. No. 3,600,319, issued Aug.
17, 1971 to Gedge, et al., European Patent Application Publication
No. 0 199 405, Application No. 86200586.5, published Oct. 29, 1986,
Venegas, and in U.S. Pat. No. 3,519,570. All of the above patents
and applications are incorporated herein, at least in pertinent
part.
[0151] Enzyme-polyethylene glycol conjugates are also preferred.
Such polyethylene glycol (PEG) derivatives of enzymes, wherein the
PEG or alkoxy-PEG moieties are coupled to the protein molecule
through, e.g., secondary amine linkages. Suitable derivatization
decreases immunogenicity, thus minimizes allergic reactions, while
still maintaining some enzymatic activity. An example of
protease-PEG's is PEG-subtilisin Carlsberg from B. lichenniformis
coupled to methoxy-PEGs through secondary amine linkage, and is
available from Sigma-Aldrich Corp., St. Louis, Mo.
[0152] (f) Zeolites
[0153] When the clarity of the solution is not needed, and the
solution is not sprayed on fabrics, other optional odor absorbing
materials, e.g., zeolites and/or activated carbon, can also be
used. A preferred class of zeolites is characterized as
"intermediate" silicate/aluminate zeolites. The intermediate
zeolites are characterized by SiO.sub.2/AlO.sub.2 molar ratios of
less than about 10. Preferably the molar ratio of
SiO.sub.2/AlO.sub.2 ranges from about 2 to about 10. The
intermediate zeolites have an advantage over the "high" zeolites.
The intermediate zeolites have a higher affinity for amine-type
odors, they are more weight efficient for odor absorption because
they have a larger surface area, and they are more moisture
tolerant and retain more of their odor absorbing capacity in water
than the high zeolites. A wide variety of intermediate zeolites
suitable for use herein are commercially available as Valfor.RTM.
CP301-68, Valfor.RTM. 300-63, Valfor.RTM. CP300-35, and Valfor.RTM.
CP300-56, available from PQ Corporation, and the CBV100.RTM. series
of zeolites from Conteka.
[0154] Zeolite materials marketed under the trade name
Abscents.RTM. and Smellrite.RTM., available from The Union Carbide
Corporation and UOP are also preferred. These materials are
typically available as a white powder in the 3-5 micron particle
size range. Such materials are preferred over the intermediate
zeolites for control of sulfur-containing odors, e.g., thiols,
mercaptans.
[0155] (g) Activated Carbon
[0156] The carbon material suitable for use in the present
invention is the material well known in commercial practice as an
absorbent for organic molecules and/or for air purification
purposes. Often, such carbon material is referred to as "activated"
carbon or "activated" charcoal. Such carbon is available from
commercial sources under such trade names as; Calgon-Type CPG.RTM.;
Type PCB.RTM.; Type SGL.RTM.; Type CAL.RTM.; and Type OL.RTM..
Activated carbon fibers and cloth may also be used in combination
with the compositions and/or articles of manufacture disclosed
herein to provide malodor removal and/or freshness benefits. Such
activated carbon fibers and fabrics can be acquired from
Calgon.
[0157] (h) Mixtures Thereof
[0158] Mixtures of the optional odor control agents described above
are desirable, especially when the mixture provides control over a
broader range of odors.
[0159] 4. Fabric Care Polysaccharides
[0160] (a) Primary Fabric Care Polysaccharide
[0161] Suitable fabric care polysaccharides for use in the fabric
care composition of the present invention are those which have a
globular conformation in dilute aqueous solution, via a random
coiling structure. Said polysaccharides include homo- and/or
hetero-polysaccharides with simple helical structure with or
without branching, e.g., with 1,4-.alpha.-linked backbone structure
(e.g., 1,4-.alpha.-glucan, 1,4-.alpha.-xylan) with or without
branching, 1,3-.beta.-linked backbone with or without branching
(e.g., galactan), and all 1,6-linked backbones with or without
branching (e.g., dextran, pullulan, pustulan), and with a
weight-average molecular weight of from about 5,000 to about
500,000, preferably from about 8,000 to about 250,000, more
preferably from about 10,000 to about 150,000, typically with sizes
ranging from about 2 nm to about 300 nm, preferably from about 3 nm
to about 100 nm, more preferably from about 4 nm to about 30 nm.
The size is defined as the gyration length occupied by the molecule
in dilute aqueous solutions.
[0162] Preferably the fabric care polysaccharide is selected from
the group consisting of arabinogalactan, pachyman, curdlan,
callose, paramylon, sceleroglucan, lentinan, lichenan, laminarin,
szhizophyllan, grifolan, sclerotinia sclerotiorum glucan (SSG),
Ompharia lapidescence glucan (OL-2), pustulan, dextran, pullulan,
substituted versions thereof, derivatised versions thereof, and
mixtures thereof. More preferably the fabric care polysaccharide is
selected from the group consisting of arabinogalactan, dextran,
curdlan, substituted versions thereof, derivatised versions
thereof, and mixtures thereof, and even more preferably the fabric
care polysaccharide comprises arabinogalactan, substituted versions
thereof, derivatised versions thereof, and mixtures thereof.
Substituted and/or derivatised materials of the fabric care
polysaccharides listed hereinabove are also preferred in the
present invention. Nonlimiting examples of these materials include:
carboxyl and hydroxymethyl substitutions (e.g., some uronic acid
instead of neutral sugar units); amino polysaccharides (amine
substitution); cationic quaternized polysaccharides;
C.sub.1-C.sub.18 alkylated polysaccharides; acetylated
polysaccharide ethers; polysaccharides having amino acid residues
attached (small fragments of glycoprotein); polysaccharides
containing silicone moieties, and the like. Some hydrophobic
derivatives of the polysaccharides help the polysaccharides
maintaining the globular conformation.
[0163] A preferred class of fabric care polysaccharides suitable
for use in the present invention include those that have the
backbone comprising at least some, but preferably almost entirely
of 1,3-.beta.-glycosidic linkages, preferably branched, preferably
with either side chains attached with 1,6-linkages or derivatised
for better water solubility and/or to maintain the globular
structure. The 1,6-linked branched polysaccharides with
1,3-.beta.-linked backbone have higher water solubility and/or
dispersibility than the non-branched polysaccharides, so that
branched polysaccharides can be used at higher molecular weight
ranges. Inserting other types of linkages, such as some 1,4-.beta.
linkages in the 1,3-.beta.-linked backbone also improves the
solubility of the polysaccharides. Nonlimiting examples of useful
fabric care polysaccharides with 1,3-.beta.-linked backbone include
arabinogalactan, pachyman, curdlan, callose, paramylon,
sceleroglucan, lentinan, lichenan, laminarin, szhizophyllan,
grifolan, sclerotinia sclerotiorum glucan (SSG), Ompharia
lapidescence glucan (OL-2), and mixtures thereof. Low molecular
weight materials are preferred for polysaccharides with less or no
branching, such as curdlan, while higher molecular weight materials
for highly branched polysaccharides, such as arabinogalactan, can
be used. Higher molecular weight polysaccharides with mixed
1,3-.beta. and 1,4-.beta. linkages, such as lichenan, can also be
used.
[0164] A preferred fabric care branched polysaccharide with
1,3-p-linked backbone is arabinogalactan (also named as
galactoarabinan or epsilon-galactan). Arabinogalactans are long,
densely branched high-molecular weight polysaccharides.
Arabinogalactan that is useful in the composition of the present
invention has a molecular weight range of from about 5,000 to about
500,000, preferably from about 6,000 to about 250,000, more
preferably from about 10,000 to about 150,000. These
polysaccharides are highly branched, consisting of a galactan
backbone with side-chains of galactose and arabinose units
(consisting of .beta.-galactopyranose, .beta.-arabinofuranose, and
.beta.-arabinopyranose). The major source of arabinogalactan is the
larch tree. The genus Larix (larches) is common throughout the
world. Two main sources of larch trees are western larch (Larix
occidentalis) in Western North America and Mongolian larch (Larix
dahurica). Examples of other larches are eastern larch (Larix
laricina) in eastern North America, European larch (Larix dicidua),
Japanese larch (Larix leptolepis), and Siberian larch (Larix
siberica). Most commercial arabinogalactan is produced from western
larch, through a counter-current extraction process. Larch
arabinogalactan is water soluble and is composed of arabinose and
galactose units in about a 1:6 ratio, with a trace of uronic acid.
Glycosyl linkage analysis of larch arabinogalactan is consistent
with a highly branched structure comprising a backbone of
1,3-.beta.-linked galactopyranose connected by
1,3.sup.C.sub.R-glycosidic linkages, comprised of 3,4,6-, 3,6-, and
3,4- as well as 3-linked residues. The molecular weights of the
preferred fractions of larch arabinogalactan include one fraction
in the range of from about 14,000 to about 22,000, mainly from
about 16,000 to about 21,000, and the other in the range of from
about 60,000 to about 500,000, mainly from about 80,000 to about
120,000. The fraction that has the average molecular weight of from
about 16,000 to about 20,000 is highly preferred for use in direct
applications to fabric, such as in spray-on products. The high
molecular weight fraction (of about 100,000 molecular weight), as
well as the low molecular weight fraction are suitable for use in
processes that involve subsequent water treatments, such as,
pre-soak, wash-added and/or rinse-added laundry processes and
products. High grade larch arabinogalactan is composed of greater
than about 98% arabinogalactan. Larch arabinogalactan and some of
its derivatives, such as cationic derivatives are commercially
available from Larex, Inc., St Paul, Minn.
[0165] Arabinogalactans are also present as minor, water-soluble
components of softwoods such as hemlock, black spruce, parana pine,
mugo pine, Douglas fir, incense cedar, juniper, and the sapwood of
sugar maple. Many edible and inedible plants are also rich sources
of arabinogalactans, mostly in glycoprotein form, bound to a
protein spine of either threonine, proline, or serine
("arabinogalactan-protein"). These plants include leek seeds,
carrots, radish, black gram beans, pear, maize, wheat, red wine,
Italian ryegrass, tomatoes, ragweed, sorghum, bamboo grass, and
coconut meat and milk. Many herbs with well established
immune-enhancing properties, such as Echinacea purpurea, Baptisia
tintoria, Thuja occidentalis, Angelica acutiloba, and Curcuma longa
contain significant amounts of arabinogalactans. Small quantities
of arabinogalactans also occur in other plants, such as, green
coffee bean (sugar ratio about 2:5), centrosema seeds (sugar ratio
about 1:13), and wheat flour (sugar ratio about 7:3). About 70% of
the water solubles from soybean flour is an arabinogalactan with a
sugar ratio of about 1:2.
[0166] Examples of other fabric care polysaccharides that have
1,3-.beta.-linkage as a part of the backbone include:
1,3-.beta.-xylan (from, e.g., Pencillus dumetosus), curdlen, a
1,3-.beta.-glucan (from e.g., Alcaligenes faecalis), paramylon B, a
1,3-.beta.-glucan (from, e.g., Euglena gracilis), lichenin, a
(1,3),(1,4)-.beta.-glucan (from various sources including Cetraria
islandica), sceleroglucan, a (1,3),(1,6)-.beta.-glucan (from, e.g.,
Sclerotium rolfii), and lentinen, a (1,3),(1,6)-.beta.-glucan
(from, e.g., Lentinus edodes). More details about these and other
polysaccharides with 1,3-.beta.-linked backbone are given in
"Chemistry and Biology of (1.fwdarw.3)-.beta.-Glucans", B. A. Stone
and A. E. Clarke, La Trobe University Press, Victoria, Australia,
1992, pp. 68-71, and 82-83, incorporated herein by reference.
[0167] Substituted and/or derivatised materials of arabinogalactans
are also preferred in the present invention. Nonlimiting examples
of these materials include: carboxyl and hydroxymethyl
substitutions (e.g., some uronic acid instead of neutral sugar
units); amino polysaccharides (amine substitution); cationic
quaternized polysaccharides; C.sub.1-C.sub.18 alkylated
polysaccharides; acetylated polysaccharide ethers; polysaccharides
having amino acid residues attached (small fragments of
glycoprotein); polysaccharides containing silicone moieties. These
substituted and/or derivatised polysaccharides can provide
additional benefits, such as: amine substitution can bind and/or
condense with oxidatively damaged regions of the fiber to
rejuvenate aged fabrics; acetylated sugar ethers can serve as
bleach activators in subsequent processes where hydrogen peroxide
is present; polysaccharides having amino acid residues can improve
delivery of fabric care benefits for fabrics containing
proteinaceous fibers, e.g., wool and silk; and silicone-derivatised
polysaccharides can provide additional fabric softness and
lubricity. Examples of derivatised arabinogalactan include the
3-chloro-2-hydroxypropyltrimethyl ammonium chloride derivative,
available from Larex, Inc and the arabinogalactan-proteins given
hereinabove.
[0168] The 1,3-.beta.-linked backbone of the fabric care
polysaccharides of the present invention (as in
1,3-.beta.-galactans, 1,3-.beta.-D-mannans, 1,3-.beta.-D-xylans and
1,3-.beta.-D-glucans) has a pseudohelical conformation. As such,
these polysaccharides have a backbone chain that is flexible and in
aqueous solution, have a tendency to coil into a globular structure
to substantially reduce their apparent dimension (gyration volume),
as opposed to the backbone chain of 1,4-.beta.-glucan which has an
extended dimension. The polysaccharides with 1,3-.beta.-linked
backbone and extensive branching via 1,6-linkages, or
polysaccharides with helical confirmation or polysaccharides with
1,6-linked backbone have added flexibility due to the "coiling"
nature of the 1,6-linkages. In water these polysaccharides with
1,3-.beta.-linked backbone and 1,6-branching, e.g.,
arabinogalactans, have a globular conformation with high
flexibility to coil into compact, flexible and deformable
microscopic particles. For example, an arabinogalactan having a
nominal molecular weight of about 18,000 has a size (gyration
length) of only from 5 nm to about 10 nm in dilute aqueous
solutions. This structural feature of the globular polysaccharides
with helical conformation and random coiling nature improves
physical properties such as water-solubility, low viscosity and
emulsification. Not to be bound by theory is believed that the
globular, compact and flexible structural property and low
viscosity of the fabric care polysaccharides with 1,3-1-linked
backbone of the present invention, such as arabinogalactans, is
important for providing the fabric care benefits, either via
efficient deposition of the polysaccharide globules on the rough
fabric surface or via appropriate fitting/filling of these globules
in the openings and/or defective spaces on the fabric fiber
surface, where they can orient itself to conform to the space
available. Furthermore, it is believed that at low levels, these
low molecular weight (about 10,000 to about 150,000) polysaccharide
globules of the present invention can very effectively bond fibers
and/or microfibrils together by "spot bonding". This way, the
fabric care polysaccharide globules can provide many desired
benefits such as: fabric strengthening, fabric wear resistance
and/or reduction, wrinkle removal and/or reduction, fabric pilling
prevention and/or reduction, fabric color maintenance and/or fading
reduction, color restoration, fabric soiling reduction, fabric
shape retention, fabric shrinkage reduction, and/or improving
fabric feel/smoothness, scratchiness reduction, for different types
of fabrics such as cellulosic (cotton, rayon, etc.), wool, silk,
and the like.
[0169] Polysaccharides with helical conformation, but not within
the range of the molecular weight range specified above have
different physical properties such as low solubility and gelling
characteristics (e.g., starch, a high molecular weight
1,4-.alpha.-D-glucan).
[0170] The fabric care polysaccharides with globular structure of
the present invention can provide at least some fabric care
benefits to all types of fabrics, including fabrics made of natural
fibers, synthetic fibers, and mixtures thereof. Nonlimiting
examples of fabric types that can be treated with the fabric care
compositions of the present invention, to obtain fabric care
benefits include fabrics made of (1) cellulosic fibers such as
cotton, rayon, linen, Tencel, (2) proteinaccous fibers such as
silk, wool and related mammalian fibers, (3) synthetic fibers such
as polyester, acrylic, nylon, and the like, (4) long vegetable
fibers from jute, flax, ramie, coir, kapok, sisal, henequen, abaca,
hemp and sunn, and (5) mixtures thereof Other unanimated substrates
and/or surfaces made with natural fibers and/or synthetic fibers,
and/or materials, such as non-woven fabrics, paddings, carpets,
paper, disposable products, films, foams, can also be treated with
the fabric care polysaccharides with 1,3-.beta.-linked backbone to
improve their properties.
[0171] For specific applications, the composition can contain from
about 0.001% to about 20% of fabric care polysaccharide with
globular structure, preferably from about 0.01% to about 10%, more
preferably from about 0.1% to about 5%, by weight of the usage
composition. The present invention also relates to concentrated
liquid or solid compositions, which are diluted to form
compositions with the usage concentrations, for use in the "usage
conditions". Concentrated compositions comprise a higher level of
fabric care polysaccharide, typically from about 1% to about 99%,
preferably from about 2% to about 65%, more preferably from about
3% to about 40%, by weight of the concentrated fabric care
composition. Depending on the target fabric care benefit to be
provided, the concentrated compositions should also comprise
proportionally higher levels of the desired optional
ingredients.
[0172] A typical composition to be dispensed from a sprayer
contains a level of fabric care polysaccharide with globular
structure of from about 0.01% to about 5%, preferably from about
0.05% to about 2%, more preferably from about 0.1% to about 1%, by
weight of the usage composition.
[0173] Dryer-added compositions typically contain a level of fabric
care polysaccharide with globular structure of from about 0.01% to
about 40% by weight of the dryer-added compositions.
[0174] (b) Adjunct Fabric Care Oligosaccharides
[0175] An optional but preferred adjunct fabric care agent in the
present invention is selected from the group consisting of
oligosaccharides, especially mixtures of oligosaccharides,
especially, isomaltooligosaccharides (IMO) (including mixtures),
the individual components of said mixtures, substituted versions
thereof, derivatised versions thereof, and mixtures thereof. The
adjunct fabric fabric care oligosaccharides help to provide some
fabric benefits, such as wrinkle removal and/or reduction,
anti-pilling, anti-wear, fabric color maintenance, and overall
appearance benefits, especially to cellulosic fibers/fabrics, such
as cotton, rayon, ramie, jute, flax, linen, polynosic-fibers,
Lyocell (Tencel.RTM.), polyester/cotton blends, other cotton
blends, and the like, especially cotton, rayon, linen,
polyester/cotton blends, and mixtures thereof.
[0176] Suitable adjunct fabric care oligosaccharides that are
useful in the present invention include oligosaccharides with a
degree of polymerization (DP) of from about 1 to about 15,
preferably from about 2 to about 10, and wherein each monomer is
selected from the group consisting of reducing saccharide
containing 5 and/or 6 carbon atoms, including isomaltose,
isomaltotriose, isomaltotetraose, isomaltooligosaccharide,
fructooligosaccharide, levooligosaccharides,
galactooligosaccharide, xylooligosaccharide,
gentiooligosaccharides, disaccharides, glucose, fructose,
galactose, xylose, mannose, arabinose, rhamnose, maltose, sucrose,
lactose, maltulose, ribose, lyxose, allose, altrose, gulose, idose,
talose, trehalose, nigerose, kojibiose, lactulose,
oligosaccharides, maltooligosaccharides, trisaccharides,
tetrasaccharides, pentasaccharides, hexasaccharides,
oligosaccharides from partial hydrolysates of natural
polysaccharide sources, and the like, and mixtures thereof,
preferably mixtures of isomaltooligosaccharides, especially
mixtures including isomaltooligosaccharides, comprising from about
3 to about 7 units of glucose, respectively, and which are linked
by 1,2-.alpha., 1,3-.alpha., 1,4-.alpha.- and 1,6-.alpha.-linkages,
and mixtures of these linkages. Oligosaccharides containing
.beta.-linkages are also preferred. Preferred oligosaccharides are
acyclic and have at least one linkage that is not an
.alpha.-1,4-glycosidic bond. A preferred oligosaccharide is a
mixture containing IMO: from 0 to about 20% by weight of glucose,
from about 10 to about 65% of isomaltose, from about 1% to about
45% of each of isomaltotriose, isomaltetraose and isomaltopentaose,
from 0 to about 3% of each of isomaltohexaose, isomaltoheptaose,
isomaltooctaose and isomaltononaose, from about 0.2% to about 15%
of each of isomaltohexaose and isomaltoheptaose, and from 0 to
about 50% by weight of said mixture being isomaltooligosaccharides
of 2 to 7 glucose units and from 0 to about 10% by weight of said
mixture being isomaltooligosaccharides of about 7 to about 10
glucose units. Other nonlimiting examples of preferred acyclic
oligosaccharides, with approximate content by weight percent,
are:
5 Isomaltooligosaccharide Mixture I Trisaccharides (maltotriose,
panose, isomaltotriose) 40-65% Disaccharides (maltose, isomaltose)
5-15% Monosaccharide (glucose) 0-20% Higher branched sugars (4 <
DP < 10) 10-30% Isomaltooligosaccharide Mixture II
Trisaccharides (maltotriose, panose, isomaltotriose) 10-25%
Disaccharides (maltose, isomaltose) 10-55% Monosaccharide (glucose)
10-20% Higher branched sugars (4 < DP < 10) 5-10%
Isomaltooligosaccharide Mixture III Tetrasaccharides (stachyose)
10-40% Trisaccharides (raffinose) 0-10% Disaccharides (sucrose,
trehalose) 10-50% Monosaccharide (glucose, fructose) 0-10% Other
higher branched sugars (4 < DP < 10) 0-5%
[0177] Oligosaccharide mixtures are either prepared by enzymatic
reactions or separated as natural products from plant materials.
The enzymatic synthesis of oligosaccharides involves either adding
monosaccharides, one at a time, to a di- or higher saccharide to
produce branched oligosaccharides, or it can involve the
degradation of polysaccharides followed by transfer of saccharides
to branching positions. For instance, Oligosaccharide Mixtures I
and II are prepared by enzymatic hydrolysis of starch to
maltooligosaccharides, which are then converted to
isomaltooligosaccharides by a transglucosidase reaction.
Oligosaccharide Mixture III, for example, is a mixture of
oligosaccharides isolated from soybean. Soybean oligosaccharides
such as Mixture III, are of pure natural origin.
[0178] Cyclic oligosaccharides can also be useful in the fabric
care composition of the present invention. Preferred cyclic
oligosaccharides include .alpha.-cyclodextrin, .beta.-cyclodextrin,
.gamma.-cyclodextrin, their branched derivatives such as
glucosyl-.alpha.-cyclodextrin, diglucosyl-.alpha.-cyclodextrin,
maltosyl-.alpha.-cyclodextrin, glucosyl-.beta.-cyclodextrin,
diglucosyl-.beta.-cyclodextrin, and mixtures thereof. The
cyclodextrins also provide an optional but very important benefit
of odor control, and are disclosed more fully hereinbelow.
[0179] Substituted and/or derivatised materials of the
oligosaccharides listed hereinabove are also preferred in the
present invention. Nonlimiting examples of these materials include:
carboxyl and hydroxymethyl substitutions (e.g., glucuronic acid
instead of glucose); amino oligosaccharides (amine substitution,
e.g., glucosamine instead of glucose); cationic quaternized
oligosaccharides; C.sub.1-C.sub.6 alkylated oligosaccharides;
acetylated oligosaccharide ethers; oligosaccharides having amino
acid residues attached (small fragments of glycoprotein);
oligosaccharides containing silicone moieties. These substituted
and/or derivatised oligosaccharides can provide additional
benefits, such as: carboxyl and hydroxymethyl substitutions can
introduce readily oxidizable materials on and in the fiber, thus
reducing the probability of the fiber itself being oxidized by
oxidants, such as bleaches; amine substitution can bind and/or
condense with oxidatively damaged regions of the fiber to
rejuvenate aged fabrics; acetylated sugar ethers can serve as
bleach activators in subsequent processes where hydrogen peroxide
is present; oligosaccharides having amino acid residues can improve
delivery of fabric care benefits for fabrics containing
proteinaceous fibers, e.g., wool and silk; and silicone-derivatised
oligosaccharides can provide additional fabric softness and
lubricity. C.sub.6 alkyl oligosaccharide is disclosed (along with
other higher, viz., C.sub.6-C.sub.30, alkyl polysaccharides) in
U.S. Pat. No. 4,565,647, issued Jan. 21, 1986 to Llenado, for use
as foaming agent in foaming compositions such as laundry
detergents, personal and hair cleaning compositions, and fire
fighting compositions. The C.sub.6 alkyl oligosaccharide is a poor
surfactant and not preferred for use as surfactant in the present
invention, but preferably can be used to provide the fabric care
benefits that are not known, appreciated and/or disclosed in U.S.
Pat. No. 4,565,647. U.S. Pat. No. 4,488,981, issued Dec. 18, 1984
discloses the use of some C.sub.1-C.sub.6 alkylated
oligosaccharides (lower alkyl glycosides) in aqueous liquid
detergents to reduce their viscosity and to prevent phase
separation. C.sub.1-C.sub.6 alkylated oligosaccharides can be used
to provide the fabric care benefits that are not known, appreciated
and/or disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,488,981. These patents are
incorporated herein by reference.
[0180] It is believed that the fabric care oligosaccharide is
adsorbed and binds with cellulosic fabrics to improve the
properties of the fabrics. It is believed that the fabric care
oligosaccharide is bound to the cellulosic fibers, diffuses in and
fills the defect sites (the amorphous region) of the fiber, to
provide the above dewrinkling, increased strength and improved
appearance benefits. The extent of the amorphous, non-crystalline
region varies with cellulosic fiber types, e.g., the relative
crystallinity of cotton is about 70% and for regenerated cellulose,
such as, rayon it is about 30%, as reported by P. H. Hermans and A.
Weidinger, "X-ray studies on the crystallinity of cellulose" in the
Journal of Polymer Science, Vol IV, p135-144, 1949. It is believed
that the amorphous regions are accessible for chemical and physical
modifications, and that in the durable press treatment, the
amorphous regions are filled with molecules that can crosslink
cellulose polymers by covalent bonds, to deliver wrinkle-free
benefits (cf. S. P. Rawland, in "Modified Cellulosics," R. M.
Rowell and R. A. Young, Eds., Academic Press, New York, 1978, pp.
147-167, cited by G. C. Tesoro, in `Crosslinking of cellulosics`,
Handbook of Fiber Science and Technology, Vol. II, p.6, edited by
M. Lewin and S. B. Sello, published by Marcel Dekker, 1983. These
publications are incorporated herein by reference.
[0181] For specific applications, the composition can contain from
about 0.001% to about 20% of the optional, but preferred
oligosaccharide, preferably from about 0.01% to about 10%, more
preferably from about 0.1% to about 5%, by weight of the usage
composition.
[0182] Typical composition to be dispensed from a sprayer contains
a level of optional fabric care oligosaccharide of from about 0.01%
to about 3%, preferably from about 0.05% to about 2%, more
preferably from about 0.1% to about 1%, by weight of the usage
composition.
[0183] Dryer-added compositions typically contain a level of
optional fabric care oligosaccharide of from about 0.01% to about
40%, preferably from about 0.1% to about 20%, more preferably from
about 1% to about 10%, by weight of the dryer-added compositions.
Aqueous dryer-added compositions to be applied directly to the
fabric, e.g., via a spraying mechanism, contain lower levels of
fabric care polysaccharide, typically from about 0.01% to about
25%, preferably from about 0.1% to about 10%, more preferably from
about 0.2% to about 5%, even more preferably from about 0.3% to
about 3%, by weight of the compositions.
[0184] Both the primary fabric care polysaccharides and the adjunct
fabric care oligosaccharides have a compact structure, but they
have different sizes. The smaller oligosaccharides are believed to
be able to diffuse and penetrate into small defective sites, such
as the amorphous region of cotton fibers, while the larger
polysaccharides can fill in larger openings and/or defective sites
on the fabric fiber surface. Therefore depending on the fabric care
benefit target, the primary fabric care polysaccharides and the
adjunct fabric care polysaccharide can be used alone, or in
mixtures. When the adjunct fabric care polysaccharide (e.g.
oligosaccharides) are present, the weight ratio between said
oligosaccharides and the fabric care polysaccharides is typically
from about 1:99 to about 99:1, preferably from about 15:85 to about
85:15, and more preferably from about 30:70 to about 70:30.
[0185] (c) Starch
[0186] Starch is not normally preferred, since it makes the fabric
resistant to deformation. However, it does provide increased "body"
which is often desired. Starch is particularly preferred in
compositions of this invention to be used with ironing. In
addition, it has been observed that starches provide desirable
in-wear wrinkle control when used in combination with one or more
of the silicone surfactants described above. When used, starch is
solubilized or dispersed in the composition.
[0187] Any type of starch, e.g. those derived from corn, wheat,
rice, grain sorghum, waxy grain sorghum, waxy maize or tapioca, or
mixtures thereof and water soluble or dispersible modifications or
derivatives thereof, can be used in the composition of the present
invention. Modified starches that can be used include natural
starches that have been degraded to obtain a lower viscosity by
acidic, oxidative or enzymatic depolymerization. Additionally, low
viscosity commercially available propoxylated and/or ethoxylated
starches are useable in the present composition and are preferred
since their low viscosity at relatively high solids concentrations
make them very adaptable to spraying processes. Suitable
alkoxylated, low viscosity starches are submicron sized particles
of hydrophobic starch that are readily dispersed in water and are
prepared by alkoxylation of granular starch with a monofunctional
alkoxylating agent which provides the starch with ether linked
hydrophilic groups. A suitable method for their preparation is
taught in U.S. Pat. No. 3,462,283. In accordance with the
invention, the propoxylated or ethoxylated starch derivatives are
dispersed in the aqueous medium in an amount of from about 0.1% to
about 10%, preferably from about 0.5% to about 6%, more preferably
from about 1% to about 4% by weight of the usage composition.
[0188] 5. Perfume
[0189] The wrinkle control composition of the present invention can
also optionally provide a "scent signal" in the form of a pleasant
odor which provides a freshness impression to the treated fabrics.
The scent signal can be designed to provide a fleeting perfume
scent. When perfume is added as a scent signal, it is added only at
very low levels, e.g., from about 0% to about 0.5%, preferably from
about 0.003% to about 0.3%, more preferably from about 0.005% to
about 0.2%, by weight of the usage composition.
[0190] Perfume can also be added as a more intense odor in product
and on fabrics. When stronger levels of perfume are preferred,
relatively higher levels of perfume can be added.
[0191] Any type of perfume can be incorporated into the composition
of the present invention. The preferred perfume ingredients are
those suitable for use to apply on fabrics and garments. Typical
examples of such preferred ingredients are given in U.S. Pat. No.
5,445,747, issued Aug. 29, 1995 to Kvietok et al., incorporated
herein by reference.
[0192] When long lasting fragrance odor on fabrics is desired, it
is preferred to use at least an effective amount of perfume
ingredients which have a boiling point of about 300.degree. C. or
higher. Nonlimiting examples of such preferred ingredients are
given in U.S. Pat. No. 5,500,138, issued Mar. 19, 1996 to Bacon et
al., incorporated herein by reference. It is also preferred to use
materials that can slowly release perfume ingredients after the
fabric is treated by the wrinkle control composition of this
invention. Examples of materials of this type are given in U.S.
Pat. No. 5,531,910, Sevems et al., issued Jul. 2, 1996, said patent
being incorporated herein by reference.
[0193] When cyclodextrin is present, it is essential that the
perfume be added at a level wherein even if all of the perfume in
the composition were to complex with the cyclodextrin molecules
when cyclodextrin is present, there will still be an effective
level of uncomplexed cyclodextrin molecules present in the solution
to provide adequate odor control. In order to reserve an effective
amount of cyclodextrin molecules for odor control when cyclodextrin
is present, perfume is typically present at a level wherein less
than about 90% of the cyclodextrin complexes with the perfume,
preferably less than about 50% of the cyclodextrin complexes with
the perfume, more preferably, less than about 30% of the
cyclodextrin complexes with the perfume, and most preferably, less
than about 10% of the cyclodextrin complexes with the perfume. The
cyclodextrin to perfume weight ratio should be greater than about
5:1 preferably greater than about 8:1, more preferably greater than
about 10:1, even more preferably greater than about 20:1, still
more preferably greater than 40:1 and most preferably greater than
about 70:1.
[0194] Preferably the perfume is hydrophilic and is composed
predominantly of ingredients selected from two groups of
ingredients, namely, (a) hydrophilic ingredients having a ClogP of
less than about 3.5, more preferably less than about 3.0, and (b)
ingredients having significant low detection threshold, and
mixtures thereof. Typically, at least about 50%, preferably at
least about 60%, more preferably at least about 70%, and most
preferably at least about 80% by weight of the perfume is composed
of perfume ingredients of the above groups (a) and (b). For these
preferred perfumes, the cyclodextrin to perfume weight ratio is
typically of from about 2:1 to about 200:1; preferably from about
4:1 to about 100:1, more preferably from about 6:1 to about 50:1,
and even more preferably from about 8:1 to about 30:1.
[0195] (a) Hydrophilic Perfume Ingredients
[0196] The hydrophilic perfume ingredients are more soluble in
water, have less of a tendency to complex with the cyclodextrins,
and are more available in the odor absorbing composition than the
ingredients of conventional perfumes. The degree of hydrophobicity
of a perfume ingredient can be correlated with its octanol/water
partition coefficient P. The octanol/water partition coefficient of
a perfume ingredient is the ratio between its equilibrium
concentration in octanol and in water. A perfume ingredient with a
greater partition coefficient P is considered to be more
hydrophobic. Conversely, a perfume ingredient with a smaller
partition coefficient P is considered to be more hydrophilic. Since
the partition coefficients of the perfume ingredients normally have
high values, they are more conveniently given in the form of their
logarithm to the base 10, logP. Thus the preferred perfume
hydrophilic perfume ingredients of this invention have logP of
about 3.5 or smaller, preferably of about 3.0 or smaller.
[0197] The logP of many perfume ingredients have been reported; for
example, the Pomona92 database, available from Daylight Chemical
Information Systems, Inc. (Daylight CIS), Irvine, Calif., contains
many, along with citations to the original literature. However, the
logP values are most conveniently calculated by the "CLOGP"
program, also available from Daylight CIS. This program also lists
experimental logP values when they are available in the Pomona92
database. The "calculated logP" (ClogP) is determined by the
fragment approach of Hansch and Leo (cf., A. Leo, in Comprehensive
Medicinal Chemistry, Vol. 4, C. Hansch, P. G. Sammens, J. B. Taylor
and C. A. Ramsden, Eds., p. 295, Pergamon Press, 1990, incorporated
herein by reference). The fragment approach is based on the
chemical structure of each perfume ingredient, and takes into
account the numbers and types of atoms, the atom connectivity, and
chemical bonding. The ClogP values, which are the most reliable and
widely used estimates for this physicochemical property, are used
instead of the experimental logP values in the selection of perfume
ingredients which are useful in the present invention.
[0198] Non-limiting examples of the more preferred hydrophilic
perfume ingredients are allyl amyl glycolate, allyl caproate, amyl
acetate, amyl propionate, anisic aldehyde, anisyl acetate, anisole,
benzaldehyde, benzyl acetate, benzyl acetone, benzyl alcohol,
benzyl formate, benzyl iso valerate, benzyl propionate, beta gamma
hexenol, calone, camphor gum, laevo-carveol, d-carvone,
laevo-carvone, cinnamic alcohol, cinnamyl acetate, cinnamic
alcohol, cinnamyl formate, cinnamyl propionate, cis-jasmone,
cis-3-hexenyl acetate, coumarin, cuminic alcohol, cuminic aldehyde,
Cyclal C, cyclogalbanate, dihydroeuginol, dihydro isojasmonate,
dimethyl benzyl carbinol, dimethyl benzyl carbinyl acetate, ethyl
acetate, ethyl aceto acetate, ethyl amyl ketone, ethyl
anthranilate, ethyl benzoate, ethyl butyrate, ethyl cinnamate,
ethyl hexyl ketone, ethyl maltol, ethyl-2-methyl butyrate, ethyl
methylphenyl glycidate, ethyl phenyl acetate, ethyl salicylate,
ethyl vanillin, eucalyptol, eugenol, eugenyl acetate, eugenyl
formate, eugenyl methyl ether, fenchyl alcohol, flor acetate
(tricyclo decenyl acetate), fructone, frutene (tricyclo decenyl
propionate), geraniol, geranyl oxyacetaldehyde, heliotropin,
hexenol, hexenyl acetate, hexyl acetate, hexyl formate, hinokitiol,
hydrotropic alcohol, hydroxycitronellal, hydroxycitronellal diethyl
acetal, hydroxycitronellol, indole, isoamyl alcohol, iso cyclo
citral, isoeugenol, isoeugenyl acetate, isomenthone, isopulegyl
acetate, isoquinoline, keone, ligustral, linalool, linalool oxide,
linalyl formate, lyral, menthone, methyl acetophenone, methyl amyl
ketone, methyl anthranilate, methyl benzoate, methyl benzyl
acetate, methyl cinnamate, methyl dihydrojasmonate, methyl eugenol,
methyl heptenone, methyl heptine carbonate, methyl heptyl ketone,
methyl hexyl ketone, methyl isobutenyl tetrahydropyran,
methyl-N-methyl anthranilate, methyl beta naphthyl ketone, methyl
phenyl carbinyl acetate, methyl salicylate, nerol, nonalactone,
octalactone, octyl alcohol (octanol-2), para-anisic aldehyde,
para-cresol, para-cresyl methyl ether, para hydroxy phenyl
butanone, para-methoxy acetophenone, para-methyl acetophenone,
phenoxy ethanol, phenoxyethyl propionate, phenyl acetaldehyde,
phenylacetaldehyde diethyl ether, phenylethyl oxyacetaldehyde,
phenyl ethyl acetate, phenyl ethyl alcohol, phenyl ethyl dimethyl
carbinol, prenyl acetate, propyl butyrate, pulegone, rose oxide,
safrole, terpineol, vanillin, viridine, and mixtures thereof.
[0199] Nonlimiting examples of other preferred hydrophilic perfume
ingredients which can be used in perfume compositions of this
invention are allyl heptoate, amyl benzoate, anethole,
benzophenone, carvacrol, citral, citronellol, citronellyl nitrile,
cyclohexyl ethyl acetate, cymal, 4-decenal, dihydro isojasmonate,
dihydro myrcenol, ethyl methyl phenyl glycidate, fenchyl acetate,
florhydral, gamma-nonalactone, geranyl formate, geranyl nitrile,
hexenyl isobutyrate, alpha-ionone, isobornyl acetate, isobutyl
benzoate, isononyl alcohol, isomenthol, para-isopropyl
phenylacetaldehyde, isopulegol, linalyl acetate, 2-methoxy
naphthalene, menthyl acetate, methyl chavicol, musk ketone, beta
naphthol methyl ether, neral, nonyl aldehyde, phenyl heptanol,
phenyl hexanol, terpinyl acetate, Veratrol, yara-yara, and mixtures
thereof.
[0200] The preferred perfume compositions used in the present
invention contain at least 4 different hydrophilic perfume
ingredients, preferably at least 5 different hydrophilic perfume
ingredients, more preferably at least 6 different hydrophilic
perfume ingredients, and even more preferably at least 7 different
hydrophilic perfume ingredients. Most common perfume ingredients
which are derived from natural sources are composed of a multitude
of components. When each such material is used in the formulation
of the preferred perfume compositions of the present invention, it
is counted as one single ingredient, for the purpose of defining
the invention.
[0201] (b) Low Odor Detection Threshold Perfume Ingredients
[0202] The odor detection threshold of an odorous material is the
lowest vapor concentration of that material which can be
olfactorily detected. The odor detection threshold and some odor
detection threshold values are discussed in, e.g., "Standardized
Human Olfactory Thresholds", M. Devos et al, IRL Press at Oxford
University Press, 1990, and "Compilation of Odor and Taste
Threshold Values Data", F. A. Fazzalari, editor, ASTM Data Series
DS 48A, American Society for Testing and Materials, 1978, both of
said publications being incorporated by reference. The use of small
amounts of perfume ingredients that have low odor detection
threshold values can improve perfume odor character, even though
they are not as hydrophilic as perfume ingredients of group (a)
which are given hereinabove. Perfume ingredients that do not belong
to group (a) above, but have a significantly low detection
threshold, useful in the composition of the present invention, are
selected from the group consisting of ambrox, bacdanol, benzyl
salicylate, butyl anthranilate, cetalox, damascenone,
alpha-damascone, gamma-dodecalactone, ebanol, herbavert,
cis-3-hexenyl salicylate, alpha-ionone, beta-ionone,
alpha-isomethylionone, lilial, methyl nonyl ketone,
gamma-undecalactone, undecylenic aldehyde, and mixtures thereof.
These materials are preferably present at low levels in addition to
the hydrophilic ingredients of group (a), typically less than about
20%, preferably less than about 15%, more preferably less than
about 10%, by weight of the total perfume compositions of the
present invention. However, only low levels are required to provide
an effect.
[0203] There are also hydrophilic ingredients of group (a) that
have a significantly low detection threshold, and are especially
useful in the composition of the present invention. Examples of
these ingredients are allyl amyl glycolate, anethole, benzyl
acetone, calone, cinnamic alcohol, coumarin, cyclogalbanate, Cyclal
C, cymal, 4-decenal, dihydro isojasmonate, ethyl anthranilate,
ethyl-2-methyl butyrate, ethyl methylphenyl glycidate, ethyl
vanillin, eugenol, flor acetate, florhydral, fructone, frutene,
heliotropin, keone, indole, iso cyclo citral, isoeugenol, lyral,
methyl heptine carbonate, linalool, methyl anthranilate, methyl
dihydrojasmonate, methyl isobutenyl tetrahydropyran, methyl beta
naphthyl ketone, beta naphthol methyl ether, nerol, para-anisic
aldehyde, para hydroxy phenyl butanone, phenyl acetaldehyde,
vanillin, and mixtures thereof. Use of low odor detection threshold
perfume ingredients minimizes the level of organic material that is
released into the atmosphere.
[0204] 6. Antimicrobial Active
[0205] Optionally, but preferably, solubilized, water-soluble,
antimicrobial preservative can be added to the composition of the
present invention because these aqueous products may be prime
breeding grounds for certain microorganisms, especially when in
aqueous compositions. This drawback can lead to the problem of
storage stability of these solutions for any significant length of
time. Contamination by certain microorganisms with subsequent
microbial growth can result in an unsightly and/or malodorous
solution. Because microbial growth in aqueous solutions is highly
objectionable when it occurs, it is highly preferable to include a
solubilized, water-soluble, antimicrobial preservative, which is
effective for inhibiting and/or regulating microbial growth in
order to increase storage stability of the preferably clear,
aqueous consumer products such as the subject product of this
patent.
[0206] Typical microorganisms that can be found in raw materials
for these products and whose growth can be found in the resulting
aqueous solutions include bacteria, both Gram (-) and (+). Gram (-)
contaminants may include species such as Escherichia coli and
Pseudomonas aeruginosa which may be found in some water sources,
and can be introduced during the preparation of these solutions.
Other Pseudomonas species, such as P. cepacia, are typical
microbial contaminants in surfactant manufacturing facilities and
may readily contaminate packed finished products. Typical other
Gram (-) bacterial contaminants may include Burkholderia,
Enterobacter and Gluconobacter species, Gram (+) species may
include Bacillus species e.g. B. cereus and B. sphaericus; and may
also include other Gram (+) such as Staphylococcus species, e.g. S.
aureus.
[0207] Fungal contaminants may include Aspergillus species.
[0208] Therefore, it is preferable to use a broad spectrum
preservative, e.g., one that is effective on both bacteria (both
gram positive and gram negative) and fungi. A limited spectrum
preservative, e.g., one that is only effective on a single group of
microorganisms, e.g., fungi, can be used in combination with a
broad spectrum preservative or other limited spectrum preservatives
with complimentary and/or supplementary activity. A mixture of
broad spectrum preservatives can also be used. In some cases where
a specific group of microbial contaminants is problematic (such as
Gram negatives), aminocarboxylate chelators, such as those
described hereinbefore, can be used alone or as potentiators in
conjunction with other preservatives. These chelators which
include, e.g., ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA),
hydroxyethylenediaminctriacetic acid, diethylenetriaminepentaacetic
acid (DTPA), and other aminocarboxylate chelators, and mixtures
thereof, and their salts including phosphonates, and mixtures
thereof, can increase preservative effectiveness against
Gram-negative bacteria, especially Pseudomonas species.
[0209] Antimicrobial preservatives useful in the present invention
include biocidal compounds, i.e., substances that kill
microorganisms, or biostatic compounds, i.e., substances that
inhibit and/or regulate the growth of microorganisms. Preferred
antimicrobial preservatives are those that are water-soluble and
are effective at low levels. Water-soluble preservatives useful in
the present invention are those that have a solubility in water of
at least about 0.3 g per 100 ml of water, i.e., greater than about
0.3% at room temperature, preferably greater than about 0.5% at
room temperature.
[0210] The water-soluble antimicrobial preservative in the present
invention is included at an effective amount. The term "effective
amount" as herein defined means a level sufficient to prevent
spoilage, or prevent growth of inadvertently added microorganisms
in the packaged product, for a specific period of time. In other
words, the preservative is not being used to kill microorganisms on
the surface onto which the composition is deposited. Instead, it is
preferably being used to prevent spoilage of the product solution
in order to increase the shelf-life of the composition. Preferred
levels of preservative are from about 0.0001% to about 0.5%, more
preferably from about 0.0002% to about 0.2%, most preferably from
about 0.0003% to about 0.1%, by weight of the usage
composition.
[0211] The preservative can be any organic preservative material
which will not cause damage to fabric appearance, e.g.,
discoloration, coloration, bleaching. Preferred water-soluble
preservatives include organic sulfur compounds, halogenated
compounds, cyclic organic nitrogen compounds, low molecular weight
aldehydes, quaternary ammonium compounds, dehydroacetic acid,
phenyl and phenolic compounds, alcoholic solvents and mixtures
thereof.
[0212] The following are non-limiting examples of preferred
water-soluble preservatives for use in the present invention. A
more complete list is found in U.S. Pat. No. 5,714,137,
incorporated hereinbefore by reference.
[0213] (a) Organic Sulfur Compounds
[0214] Preferred water-soluble preservatives for use in the present
invention are organic sulfur compounds. Some non-limiting examples
of organic sulfur compounds suitable for use in the present
invention are:
[0215] (i) 3-Isothiazolone Compounds
[0216] A preferred preservative is an antimicrobial, organic
preservative containing 3-isothiazolone groups. This class of
compounds is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,265,899, Lewis et al.,
issued May 5, 1981, and incorporated herein by reference. A
preferred preservative is a water-soluble mixture of
5-chloro-2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one and
2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one, more preferably a mixture of about
77% 5-chloro-2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one and about 23%
2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one, a broad spectrum preservative
available as a 1.5% aqueous solution under the trade name
Kathon.RTM. CG by Rohm and Haas Company.
[0217] When Kathon.RTM. is used as the preservative in the present
invention it is present at a level of from about 0.0001% to about
0.01%, preferably from about 0.0002% to about 0.005%, more
preferably from about 0.0003% to about 0.003%, most preferably from
about 0.0004% to about 0.002%, by weight of the composition.
[0218] Other isothiazolins include 1,2-benzisothiazolin-3-one,
available under the trade name Proxel.RTM. products; and
2-methyl-4,5-trimethylene-- 4-isothiazolin-3-one, available under
the trade name Promexal.RTM.. Both Proxel and Promexal are
available from Zeneca. They have stability over a wide pH range
(i.e., 4-12). Neither contain active halogen and are not
formaldehyde releasing preservatives. Both Proxel and Promexal are
effective against typical Gram negative and positive bacteria,
fungi and yeasts when used at a level from about 0.001% to about
0.5%, preferably from about 0.005% to about 0.05%, and most
preferably from about 0.01% to about 0.02% by weight of the usage
composition.
[0219] (ii) Sodium Pyrithione
[0220] Another preferred organic sulfur preservative is sodium
pyrithione, with water solubility of about 50%. When sodium
pyrithione is used as the preservative in the present invention it
is typically present at a level of from about 0.0001% to about
0.01%, preferably from about 0.0002% to about 0.005%, more
preferably from about 0.0003% to about 0.003%, by weight of the
usage composition.
[0221] Mixtures of the preferred organic sulfur compounds can also
be used as the preservative in the present invention.
[0222] (b) Halogenated Compounds
[0223] Preferred preservatives for use in the present invention are
halogenated compounds. Some non-limiting examples of halogenated
compounds suitable for use in the present invention are:
[0224] 5-bromo-5-nitro-1,3-dioxane, available under the trade name
Bronidox L.RTM. from Henkel. Bronidox L.RTM. has a solubility of
about 0.46% in water. When Bronidox is used as the preservative in
the present invention it is typically present at a level of from
about 0.0005% to about 0.02%, preferably from about 0.001% to about
0.01%, by weight of the usage composition;
[0225] 2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol, available under the trade
name Bronopol.RTM. from Inolex can be used as the preservative in
the present invention. Bronopol has a solubility of about 25% in
water. When Bronopol is used as the preservative in the present
invention it is typically present at a level of from about 0.002%
to about 0.1%, preferably from about 0.005% to about 0.05%, by
weight of the usage composition;
[0226] 1,1'-hexamethylene bis(5-(p-chlorophenyl)biguamide),
commonly known as chlorhexidine, and its salts, e.g., with acetic
and gluconic acids can be used as a preservative in the present
invention. The digluconate salt is highly water-soluble, about 70%
in water, and the diacetate salt has a solubility of about 1.8% in
water. When chlorhexidine is used as the preservative in the
present invention it is typically present at a level of from about
0.0001% to about 0.04%, preferably from about 0.0005% to about
0.01%, by weight of the usage composition.
[0227] 1,1,1-Trichloro-2-methylpropan-2-ol, commonly known as
chlorobutanol, with water solubility of about 0.8%; a typical
effective level of chlorobutanol is from about 0.1% to about 0.5%,
by weight of the usage composition.
[0228] 4,4'-(Trimethylenedioxy)bis-(3-bromobenzamidine)
diisethionate, or dibromopropamidine, with water solubility of
about 50%; when dibromopropamidine is used as the preservative in
the present invention it is typically present at a level of from
about 0.0001% to about 0.05%, preferably from about 0.0005% to
about 0.01% by weight of the usage composition.
[0229] Mixtures of the preferred halogenated compounds can also be
used as the preservative in the present invention.
[0230] (c) Cyclic Organic Nitrogen Compounds
[0231] Preferred water-soluble preservatives for use in the present
invention are cyclic organic nitrogen compounds. Some non-limiting
examples of cyclic organic nitrogen compounds suitable for use in
the present invention are:
[0232] (i) Imidazolidinedione Compounds
[0233] Preferred preservatives for use in the present invention are
imidazolidione compounds. Some non-limiting examples of
imidazolidinedione compounds suitable for use in the present
invention are:
[0234] 1,3-bis(hydroxymethyl)-5,5-dimethyl-2,4-imidazolidinedione,
commonly known as dimethyloldimethylhydantoin, or DMDM hydantoin,
available as, e.g., Glydant.RTM. from Lonza. DMDM hydantoin has a
water solubility of more than 50% in water, and is mainly effective
on bacteria. When DMDM hydantoin is used, it is preferable that it
be used in combination with a broad spectrum preservative such as
Kathon CG.RTM., or formaldehyde. A preferred mixture is about a
95:5 DMDM hydantoin to 3-butyl-2-iodopropynylcarbamate mixture,
available under the trade name Glydant Plus.RTM. from Lonza. When
Glydant Plus.RTM. is used as the preservative in the present
invention, it is typically present at a level of from about 0.005%
to about 0.2% by weight of the usage composition;
[0235]
N-[1,3-bis(hydroxymethyl)2,5-dioxo-4-imidazolidinyl]-N,N'-bis(hydro-
xymethyl) urea, commonly known as diazolidinyl urea, available
under the trade name Germall II.RTM. from Sutton Laboratories, Inc.
(Sutton) can be used as the preservative in the present invention.
When Germall II.RTM. is used as the preservative in the present
invention, it is typically present at a level of from about 0.01%
to about 0.1% by weight of the usage composition;
[0236] N,N"-methylenebis
{N'-[1-(hydroxymethyl)-2,5-dioxo-4-imidazolidinyl- ]urea}, commonly
known as imidazolidinyl urea, available, e.g., under the trade name
Abiol.RTM. from 3V-Sigma, Unicide U-13.RTM. from Induchem, Germall
115.RTM. from (Sutton) can be used as the preservative in the
present invention. When imidazolidinyl urea is used as the
preservative, it is typically present at a level of from about
0.05% to about 0.2%, by weight of the usage composition.
[0237] Mixtures of the preferred imidazolidinedione compounds can
also be used as the preservative in the present invention.
[0238] (ii) Polymethoxy Bicyclic Oxazolidine
[0239] Another preferred water-soluble cyclic organic nitrogen
preservative is polymethoxy bicyclic oxazolidine, available under
the trade name Nuosept.RTM. C from Huls America. When Nuosept.RTM.
C is used as the preservative, it is typically present at a level
of from about 0.005% to about 0.1%, by weight of the usage
composition.
[0240] Mixtures of the preferred cyclic organic nitrogen compounds
can also be used as the preservative in the present invention.
[0241] (d) Low Molecular Weight Aldehydes and Alcohols
[0242] (i) Formaldehyde
[0243] A preferred preservative for use in the present invention is
formaldehyde. Formaldehyde is a broad spectrum preservative which
is normally available as formalin which is a 37% aqueous solution
of formaldehyde. When formaldehyde is used as the preservative in
the present invention, typical levels are from about 0.003% to
about 0.2%, preferably from about 0.008% to about 0.1% more
preferably from about 0.01% to about 0.05%, by weight of the usage
composition.
[0244] (ii) Glutaraldehyde
[0245] A preferred preservative for use in the present invention is
glutaraldehyde. Glutaraldehyde is a water-soluble, broad spectrum
preservative commonly available as a 25% or a 50% solution in
water. When glutaraldehyde is used as the preservative in the
present invention it is typically present at a level of from about
0.005% to about 0.1%, preferably from about 0.01% to about 0.05%,
by weight of the usage composition.
[0246] (iii) Ethanol
[0247] A preferred potentiator or preservative enhancer in this
invention may be an alcohol, such as ethanol, an effective amount
of solvent, preferably from about 1% to about 15%, more preferably
from about 1% to about 10%, most preferably from about 1% to about
5%, by weight of the composition to assist in the drying of the
spray product during use and for increased efficacy of the
preservative system in the bottled product.
[0248] (e) Quaternary Compounds
[0249] Preferred preservatives for use in the present invention are
cationic and/or quaternary compounds. Such compounds include
polyaminopropyl biguamide, also known as polyhexamethylene
biguamide having the general formula:
HCl.NH.sub.2--(CH.sub.2).sub.3--[--(CH.sub.2).sub.3--NH--C(.dbd.NH)--NH--C-
(.dbd.NH.HCl)--NH--(CH.sub.2).sub.3--].sub.x--(CH.sub.2).sub.3--NH--C(.dbd-
.NH)--NH.CN
[0250] Polyaminopropyl biguamide is a water-soluble, broad spectrum
preservative which is available as a 20% aqueous solution available
under the trade name Cosmocil CQ.RTM. from ICI Americas, Inc., or
under the trade name Mikrokill.RTM. from Brooks, Inc.
1-(3-Chlorallyl)-3,5,7-triaza- -1-azoniaadamantane chloride,
available, e.g., under the trade name Dowicil 200 from Dow
Chemical, is an effective quaternary ammonium preservative. It is
freely soluble in water, however,it has a tendency to discolor
(yellow), and therefore it is not highly preferred.
[0251] Mixtures of the preferred quaternary ammonium compounds can
also be used as the preservative in the present invention.
[0252] When quaternary ammonium compounds are used as the
preservative in the present invention, they are typically present
at a level of from about 0.005% to about 0.2%, preferably from
about 0.01% to about 0.1%, by weight of the usage composition.
[0253] (f) Dehydroacetic Acid
[0254] A preferred preservative for use in the present invention is
dehydroacetic acid. Dehydroacetic acid is a broad spectrum
preservative preferably in the form of a sodium or a potassium salt
so that it is water-soluble. This preservative acts more as a
biostatic preservative than a biocidal preservative. When
dehydroacetic acid is used as the preservative it is typically used
at a level of from about 0.005% to about 0.2%, preferably from
about 0.008% to about 0.1%, more preferably from about 0.01% to
about 0.05%, by weight of the usage composition.
[0255] (g) Phenyl and Phenolic Compounds
[0256] Some non-limiting examples of phenyl and phenolic compounds
suitable for use in the present invention are:
[0257] 4,4'-diamidino-.alpha.,.omega.-diphenoxypropane
diisethionate, commonly known as propamidine isethionate, with
water solubility of about 16%; and
4,4'-diamidino-.alpha.,.omega.-diphenoxyhexane diisethionate,
commonly known as hexamidine isethionate. Typical effective level
of these salts is about 0.0002% to about 0.05% by weight of the
usage composition.
[0258] Other examples are benzyl alcohol, with a water solubility
of about 4%; 2-phenylethanol, with a water solubility of about 2%;
and 2-phenoxyethanol, with a water solubility of about 2.67%;
typical effective level of these phenyl and phenoxy alcohol is from
about 0.1% to about 0.5%, by weight of the usage composition.
[0259] (h) Mixtures thereof
[0260] The preservatives of the present invention can be used in
mixtures in order to control a broad range of microorganisms.
[0261] Bacteriostatic effects can sometimes be obtained for aqueous
compositions by adjusting the composition pH to an acid pH, e.g.,
less than about pH 4, preferably less than about pH 3, or a basic
pH, e.g., greater than about 10, preferably greater than about 11.
Low pH is a suitable approach in the present invention because the
low pH may minimize the potential of bacterial contamination. High
pH 10, preferably greater than about 11, also may minimize
bacterial and antimicrobial contamination, but is not preferred
when optional cyclodextrin is present since the cyclodextrin will
be ionized and this will render it less effective to complexing
some odor molecules. High pH's can also lead to skin irritaiton.
Therefore, aqueous compositions of the present invention should
have a pH of from about 3 to about 6, preferably from about 4 to
about 6, more preferably from about 4.5 to about 6. The pH is
typically adjusted with inorganic molecules such as (HCl) or
NaOH.
[0262] 7. Aminocarboxylate Chelator
[0263] Chelators, e.g., ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA),
hydroxyethylene-diaminetriacetic acid,
diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA also known commercially as
Dequest 2060), aminotri(methylenphosphon- ic aicd) penta sodium
salt (known commerically as Dequest 2006), and other
aminocarboxylate chelators, and mixtures thereof, and their salts
and phosphonates, and mixtures thereof, can optionally be used to
increase antimicrobial and preservative effectiveness against
Gram-negative bacteria, especially Pseudomonas species. Although
sensitivity to EDTA/DTPA and other aminocarboxylate chelators is
mainly a characteristic of Pseudomonas species, other bacterial
species highly susceptible to chelators include Achromobacter,
Alcaligenes, Azotobacter, Escherichia, Salmonella, Spirillum, and
Vibrio. Other groups of organisms also show increased sensitivities
to these chelators, including fungi and yeasts. Furthermore,
aminocarboxylate chelators can help, e.g., maintaining product
clarity, protecting fragrance and perfume components, and
preventing rancidity and off odors.
[0264] Although these aminocarboxylate chelators may not be potent
biocides in their own right, they function as potentiators for
improving the performance of other antimicrobials/preservatives in
the compositions of the present invention. Aminocarboxylate
chelators can potentiate the performance of many of the cationic,
anionic, and nonionic antimicrobials/preservatives, phenolic
compounds, and isothiazolinones, that are used as
antimicrobials/preservatives in the composition of the present
invention. Nonlimiting examples of cationic
antimicrobials/preservatives potentiated by aminocarboxylate
chelators in solutions are chlorhexidine salts (including
digluconate, diacetate, and dihydrochloride salts), and
Quatemium-15, also known as Dowicil 200, Dowicide Q, Preventol D1,
benzalkonium chloride, cetrimonium, myristalkonium chloride,
cetylpyridinium chloride, lauryl pyridinium chloride, and the like.
Nonlimiting examples of useful anionic antimicrobials/preservatives
which are enhanced by aminocarboxylate chelators are sorbic acid
and potassium sorbate.
[0265] Nonlimiting examples of useful nonionic
antimicrobials/preservative- s which are potentiated by
aminocarboxylate chelators are DMDM hydantoin, phenethyl alcohol,
monolaurin, imidazolidinyl urea, and Bronopol
(2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol).
[0266] Examples of useful phenolic antimicrobials/preservatives
potentiated by these chelators are chloroxylenol, phenol,
tert-butyl hydroxyanisole, salicylic acid, resorcinol, and sodium
o-phenyl phenate. Nonlimiting examples of isothiazolinone
antimicrobials/preservatives which are enhanced by aminocarboxylate
chelators are Kathon, Proxel and Promexal.
[0267] The optional chelators are present in the compositions of
this invention at levels of, typically, from about 0.01% to about
0.3%, more preferably from about 0.02% to about 0.1%, most
preferably from about 0.02% to about 0.05% by weight of the usage
compositions to provide antimicrobial efficacy in this
invention.
[0268] Free, uncomplexed aminocarboxylate chelators are required to
potentiate the efficacy of the antimicrobials. Thus, when excess
alkaline earth (especially calcium and magnesium) and transitional
metals (iron, manganese, copper, and others) are present, free
chelators are not available and antimicrobial potentiation is not
observed. In the case where significant water hardness or
transitional metals are available or where product esthetics
require a specified chelator level, higher levels may be required
to allow for the availability of free, uncomplexed aminocarboxylate
chelators to function as antimicrobial/preservative
potentiators.
[0269] 8. Other Optional Ingredients
[0270] The composition of the present invention can optionally
contain other adjunct odor-controlling materials, chelating agents,
additional antistatic agents if more static control is desired,
insect and moth repelling agents, colorants, especially bluing
agents, viscosity control agents, and mixtures thereof in addition
to the antiwrinkle ingredients, e.g., polymers. The total level of
optional ingredients is preferably less than about 10%, more
preferably less than about 5% even more preferably less than about
3%, and still more preferably less than about 2%, by weight of the
usage composition. These optional ingredients exclude the other
ingredients specifically mentioned hereinbefore. Incorporating
adjunct odor-controlling materials can enhance the capacity of the
cyclodextrin to control odors as well as broaden the range of odor
types and molecule sizes which can be controlled. Such materials
include, for example, the metallic salts described hereinbefore,
water-soluble cationic and anionic polymers in addition to those
already disclosed, zeolites as discussed hereinbefore,
water-soluble bicarbonate salts, and mixtures thereof. Other
optional materials are salts for viscosity control, antistatic
agents, insect or moth repelling agent, optional colorant, optional
anti-clogging agent, and mixtures thereof of optional
ingredients.
[0271] (a) Optional Water-Soluble Polyionic Polymers
[0272] Some water-soluble polyionic polymers, e.g., water-soluble
cationic polymer and water-soluble anionic polymers in addition to
those discussed hereinbefore, can be used in the composition of the
present invention to provide additional odor control benefits.
[0273] (i) Cationic Polymers, e.g., Polyamines
[0274] Water-soluble cationic polymers, e.g., those containing
amino functionalities, amido functionalities, and mixtures thereof,
are useful in the present invention to control certain acid-type
odors.
[0275] (ii) Anionic Polymers, e.g., Polyacrylic Acid
[0276] Water-soluble anionic polymers in addition to those
described hereinbefore, e.g., polyacrylic acids and their
water-soluble salts are useful in the present invention to control
certain amine-type odors. Preferred polyacrylic acids and their
alkali metal salts have an average molecular weight of less than
about 20,000, more preferably less than 10,000, even more
preferably from about 500 to about 5,000. Added polymers must not
cause the composition to exceed acceptable limits on the Trouton's
ratio. Salts are useful viscosity control agents, as disclosed
below to use together with polymers to control the Trouton's ratio,
if necessary. Polymers containing sulfonic acid groups, phosphoric
acid groups, phosphonic acid groups, and their water-soluble salts,
and mixtures thereof, and mixtures with carboxylic acid and
carboxylate groups, are also suitable. Cross-linked polymers are
also useful.
[0277] Water-soluble polymers containing both cationic and anionic
functionalities are also suitable. Examples of these polymers are
given in U.S. Pat. No. 4,909,986, issued Mar. 20, 1990 to N.
Kobayashi and A. Kawazoe, incorporated herein by reference. Another
example of water-soluble polymers containing both cationic and
anionic functionalities is a copolymer of dimethyldiallyl ammonium
chloride and acrylic acid, commercially available under the trade
name Merquat 280.RTM. from Calgon.
[0278] When a water-soluble polymer is used it is typically present
at a level of from about 0.001% to about 3%, preferably from about
0.005% to about 2%, more preferably from about 0.01% to about 1%,
and even more preferably from about 0.05% to about 0.5%, by weight
of the usage composition.
[0279] (b) Optional Antistatic Agents
[0280] The composition of the present invention can optionally
contain additional effective amounts of other antistatic agent to
provide the treated clothes with in-wear static. Preferred
antistatic agents are those that are water soluble in at least an
effective amount, such that the composition remains a clear
solution. Examples of these antistatic agents are monoalkyl
cationic quaternary ammonium compounds, e.g.,
mono(C.sub.10-C.sub.14 alkyl)trimethyl ammonium halide, such as
monolauryl trimethyl ammonium chloride, hydroxycetyl hydroxyethyl
dimethyl ammonium chloride, available under the trade name
Dehyquart E.RTM. from Henkel, and ethyl bis(polyethoxy ethanol)
alkylammonium ethylsulfate, available under the trade name Variquat
66.RTM. from Witco Corp., polyethylene glycols, polymeric
quaternary ammonium salts, such as polymers conforming to the
general formula:
--[N(CH.sub.3).sub.2--(CH.sub.2).sub.3--NH--CO--NH--(CH.sub.2).sub.3--N(CH-
.sub.3).sub.2.sup.+--CH.sub.2CH.sub.2OCH.sub.2CH.sub.2]--.sub.x.sup.2+2x[C-
l.sup.-]
[0281] available under the trade name Mirapol A-15.RTM. from
Rhone-Poulenc, and
--[N(CH.sub.3).sub.2--(CH.sub.2).sub.3--NH--CO--(CH.sub.2).sub.4--CO--NH---
(CH.sub.2).sub.3--N(CH.sub.3).sub.2--(CH.sub.2CH.sub.2OCH.sub.2CH.sub.2]---
.sub.x.sup.+x[Cl.sup.-],
[0282] available under the trade name Mirapol AD-1.RTM. from
Rhone-Poulenc, quaternized polyethyleneimines,
vinylpyrrolidone/methacryl- amidopropyltrimethylammonium chloride
copolymer, available under the trade name Gafquat HS-100.RTM. from
GAF; triethonium hydrolyzed collagen ethosulfate, available under
the trade name Quat-Pro E.RTM. from Maybrook; neutralized
sulfonated polystyrene, available, e.g., under the trade name Versa
TL-130.RTM. from Alco Chemical, neutralized sulfonated
styrene/maleic anhydride copolymers, available, e.g., under the
trade name Versa TL-4.RTM. from Alco Chemical; and mixtures
thereof.
[0283] It is preferred that a no foaming, or low foaming, agent is
used, to avoid foam formation during fabric treatment. It is also
preferred that polyethoxylated agents such as polyethylene glycol
or Variquat 66.RTM. are not used when alpha-cyclodextrin is used.
The polyethoxylate groups have a strong affinity to, and readily
complex with, alpha-cyclodextrin which in turn depletes the
uncomplexed cyclodextrin available for odor control.
[0284] When an antistatic agent is used it is typically present at
a level of from about 0.05% to about 10%, preferably from about
0.1% to about 5%, more preferably from about 0.3% to about 3%, by
weight of the usage composition.
[0285] (c) Optional Insect and/or Moth Repelling Agent
[0286] The composition of the present invention can optionally
contain an effective amount of insect and/or moth repelling agents.
Typical insect and moth repelling agents are pheromones, such as
anti-aggregation pheromones, and other natural and/or synthetic
ingredients. Preferred insect and moth repellent agents useful in
the composition of the present invention are perfume ingredients,
such as citronellol, citronellal, citral, linalool, cedar extract,
geranium oil, sandalwood oil, 2-(diethylphenoxy)ethanol,
1-dodecene, etc. Other examples of insect and/or moth repellents
useful in the composition of the present invention are disclosed in
U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,449,987; 4,693,890; 4,696,676; 4,933,371;
5,030,660; 5,196,200; and in "Semio Activity of Flavor and
Fragrance Molecules on Various Insect Species", B. D. Mookherjee et
al., published in Bioactive Volatile Compounds from Plants, ASC
Symposium Series 525, R. Teranishi, R.G. Buttery, and H., Sugisawa,
1993, pp. 35-48, all of said patents and publications being
incorporated herein by reference. When an insect and/or moth
repellent is used it is typically present at a level of from about
0.005% to about 3%, by weight of the usage composition.
[0287] (d) Optional Colorant
[0288] Colorants and dyes, especially bluing agents, can be
optionally added to the wrinkle control compositions for visual
appeal and performance impression. When colorants are used, they
are used at extremely low levels to avoid fabric staining.
Preferred colorants for use in the present compositions are highly
water-soluble dyes, e.g., Liquitint.RTM. dyes available from
Milliken Chemical Co. Non-limiting examples of suitable dyes are,
Liquitint Blue HP.RTM., Liquitint Blue 65.RTM., Liquitint Patent
Blue.RTM., Liquitint Royal Blue.RTM., Liquitint Experimental Yellow
8949-43.RTM., Liquitint Green HMC.RTM., Liquitint Yellow II.RTM.,
and mixtures thereof, preferably Liquitint Blue HP.RTM., Liquitint
Blue 65.RTM., Liquitint Patent Blue.RTM., Liquitint Royal
Blue.RTM., Liquitint Experimental Yellow 8949-43, and mixtures
thereof.
[0289] (e) Optional Anti-Clogging Agent
[0290] Optional anti-clogging agent which enhances the wetting and
anti-clogging properties of the composition, especially when starch
is present, is chosen from the group of polymeric glycols of
alkanes and olefins having from 2 to about 6, preferably 2 carbon
atoms. The anti-clogging agent inhibits the formation of "plugs" in
the spray nozzle. An example of the preferred anti-clogging agent
is polyethylene glycol having an average molecular weight of from
about 800 to about 12,000, more preferably from about 1,400 to
about 8,000. When used, the anti-clogging agent is present at a
level of from about 0.01% to about 1%, preferably from about 0.05%
to about 0.5%, more preferably, from about 0.1% to about 0.3% by
weight of the usage composition.
[0291] (f) pH
[0292] Product pH can be below about 7 or above about 7. The pH is
generally chosen to maintain stability of the components, maintain
the efficacy of the components, provide additional benefits (e.g.
odor control) and also to provide a non-irritating consumer
product.
[0293] When polyalkylene oxide polysiloxanes are empolyed it is
useful to adjust the pH of the solution to at least about pH 5.5
and below about pH 9.5 since these materials are most stable in
this pH rang. When cyclodextrin is present, it is desirable to
maintain a pH below about 11 since above about pH 1 1, the ability
of cyclodextrin to form complexes and to control odor is
diminished. To prevent irritation it is preferrable for the pH of
the product to be maintained above about a pH of 3 and below a pH
of about 12. pH adjustment is achieved by the addition of mineral
acids, organic acids and/or the addition of caustic alkali or other
strong bases such as amine containing compounds. Nonlimiting
examples of acids include HCl, ntric acid, sulfuric acid, acetic
acide, etc. Nonlimiting examples of suitable caustic alkalis for
use herein include sodium and potassium hydroxides. Nonlimiting
examples of suitable caustic bases and amine compounds include
metal hydroxides (e.g. NaOH, KOH), triethanolamine,
N,N,N',N'-tetrakis(2-hydroxypropyl)-et- hylenediamine and ammonium
hydroxide.
[0294] (g) Buffer
[0295] Buffer is preferred when compositions contain materials that
tend to hydrolyze and cause pH drift. Polyalkylene oxide
polysiloxanes are materials that tend to hydrolyze with the
trisiloxane materials being particularly susceptible to this
behavior. The polyalkylene oxide polysiloxanes are most stable to
hydrolysis between pH at least about 5.5 and below about pH 9.5.
Therefore, when the composition contains optional polyalkylene
oxide polysiloxane it is preferably for the formulation to be
buffered such that the pH is at least about 5.5 and less than pH
about 9.5. Suprisingly, it is not as simple as adjusting such
solutions to the appropriate pH, because some level of hydrolysis
can still occur resulting in a pH drop that will further accelerate
hydrolysis and degradation. To prevent this degradation it is
essential to buffer the solution and to provide enough buffering
capacity to compensate for any acid or base produced by any small
amount of hydrolysis.
[0296] Buffering capacity is related to having a sufficient level
or concentration of a buffering system in the composition to
prevent large changes in pH as acids or bases are added to a
buffered system. Buffering capacity is typically expressed as
dB/dpH which is a unitless, positive number representing the gram
equivalents per liter of strong acid or base which must be added to
a system to effect a change in the pH of the system by one unit.
The buffering capacity is related to the initial pH of the system
as well as the disassociation constant and the concentration of the
buffer.
[0297] Buffering capacity of a system, in this case the present
compositions, can be calculated from the following equation:
dB/dpH=2.3 K.sub.aC[H.sup.+]/(K.sub.a+[H.sup.+]).sup.2
[0298] wherein K.sub.a=the ionization constant of the buffer, C=the
concentration of the buffer and [H.sup.+]=the initial concentration
of the hydrogen ion in the composition. As an example, simply
adjusting the pH using a weak base, like triethanolamine, is not
sufficient to provide necessary buffering capacity to this system,
and the above calculation is performed for the amount of
triethanolamine necessary to raise the pH of the a composition from
pH=6.8 (a typical pH for the deionized water used to formulate the
said composition) to pH=9, a preferred pH level for the said
composition. For triethanolamine the K.sub.a=1.2.times.10.sup.-8
and the initial=1.times.10.sup.-9. The amount of triethanolamine
necessary to raise the pH from 6.8 to 9 is 0.1 g per liter or
6.7.times.10.sup.-4. The buffering capacity of the above system is
equal to:
2.3(1.2.times.10.sup.-8)(6.7.times.10.sup.-4)(1.times.10.sup.-9)/(1.2.time-
s.10.sup.-8+1.times.10.sup.-9)2=0.00011
[0299] This result indicates that a composition where pH is simply
raised to a high pH by a base, even a buffering base such as
triethanolamine, has very little buffering capacity. The buffering
capacity indicates that it takes only 0.00011 gram equivalents per
liter of a strong acid to change the pH by one unit. Such a system
is not robust to pH drift over time and tends to hydrolyze at an
increasingly rapid rate. The buffering capacity introduces an
important concept--the concentration (or level) of the buffer in
the composition is important because the concentration of buffer
present is directly related to how much hydrogen ion the system can
absorb without significant changes in pH. A thorough discussion of
buffering capacity and the theory associated with it is given in
the treatise "On the Measurement of Buffer Values and on the
Relationship of Buffer Value to the Dissociation Constant of the
Buffer and the Concentration and Reaction of the Buffer Solution"
by Donald D. Van Slyke, J. Biol. Chem., volume 52, pp 525-570,
1922, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.
[0300] Many commonly used buffers are listed and discussed in the
book Buffers for pH and Metal Ion Control by D. D. Perrin and B.
Dempsey (John Wiley & Sons, 1974) and in references therein,
which are hereby incorporated by reference. Buffering agents
preferred for use in the compositions discussed herein are selected
from the group consisting of buffering systems, acid-base conjugate
pairs, and salts together with an acid or a base, and are
incorporated in the present compositions at a level that maintains
the pH of the composition at least about 5.5, preferably at least
about 6, and more preferably at least about 7 and even more
preferably at least about 7.5, but less than pH about 9.5, and
preferably less than about 9 for a period of at least about 3
months, preferably at least about 6 months, more preferably at
least about 12 months, even more preferably at least about 18
months, and still more preferably at least about 24 months.
[0301] Some nonlimiting examples of preferred buffer systems
include the Tris/HCl pair (Tris=Tris (hydroxymethyl) aminomethane
available from the Angus.RTM. Sigma Chemical Co. St. Louis, Mo.),
Borax/HCl (Borax is available from U.S. Borax, Inc., Valencia,
Calif.), Diethanolamine/HCl (Diethanolamine is available from Dow
Chemial, Midland, Mich.), sodium borate/NaOH (sodium borate is
available from U.S. Borax, Inc., Valencia, Calif.), sodium
bicarbonate/NaOH (sodium bicarbonate is available from the FMC
Corporation, Philadelphia, Pa.), sodium hydrogen phosphate/NaOH
(sodium hydrogen phosphate is available from Monsanto, St. Louis,
Mo.), sodium carbonate/sodium bicarbonate (sodium carbonate and
sodium bicarbonate are available from FMC Corporation,
Philadelphia, Pa.), boric acid/NaOH (boric acid is available from
U.S. Borax, Inc., Valencia, Calif.), glycine/NaOH (glycine is
available from Sigma Chemcial, Inc, St. Louis, Mo.), and KCl/NaOH
(KCl is available from North American Chemical Co., Overland Pk.,
KS). Sodium hydroxide is available from FMC Corporation,
Philadelphia, Pa. and hydrogen chloride is available from Air
Products and Chemicals, Inc., Allentown, Pa.
[0302] An effective amount of a buffering system wherein the
concentration of all components of the buffering system including
the acid-base conjugate pair as well as any salt used to boost the
buffering capacity typically constitute from about 0.05% to about
10%, preferably from about 0.02% to about 8%, more preferably from
about 0.1% to about 5%, and most preferably from about 0.2% to
about 2.5% of the composition by weight. Preferred buffering
systems are chosen from the group consisting of, but not limited
to, buffering systems, acid-base conjugate pairs, and salts paired
with an acid or a base, or self-buffering compounds and together
with any salt intended to improve the buffering capacity of the
system and utilized at a level that maintains the pH of the
composition to be at least about 5.5., preferably at least about 6,
more preferably at least about 7 and even more preferably at least
about 7.5 but less than a pH of about 9.5, preferably less than
about 9 for a period of at least about 3 months, preferably at
least about 6 months, more preferably at least about 12 months,
even more preferably at least about 18 months, and still more
preferably at least about 24 months. The preferred buffering
capacity of the system is at least about 0.01, and more preferably
at least about 0.02.
[0303] (h) Whiteness Preservatives
[0304] When it is desireable to have lubrication under conditions
where oxidation or polymerization are a risk, a whiteness
preservative selected from the group of chelants, fabric
substantive chelants, optical brightening agents, bluing agents, UV
absorbers, and oxidative stabilizers such as anti-oxidants and/or
reductive agents as well as mixtures of whiteness preservatives can
be used. When whiteness preservatives are used, they should be
added at levels of at least about 0.001, preferably at least about
0.005%, more preferably at least about 0.01%, even more preferably
at least about 0.05%, still more preferably at least about 0.2%,
but typically below about 10%, preferably below about 5%, more
preferably below about 3%, and still more preferably below about
1.5%.
[0305] Suprisingly, it was found that over time and especially in
cases where clothes are exposed to excessive heat (e.g. as in
extensive drying or drying in commercial dryers) and/or confined to
an enclosed space after treating, an undesirable yellowish cast
begins to be apparent on white items. This yellowing will be
perceived as a negative by consumers. Not to be bound by theory,
but the yellowing is believed to be caused by the auto-oxidation of
unsaturated materials in the composition, particularly
polyunsaturated materials which are know to catalyze
auto-oxidation. Under some conditions some level of polyunsaturate
is desirable in the composition as it contributes, since the raw
material is cheaper and easier to produce if the supplier is not
constrained to minimizing or eliminating polyunsaturate. Some level
of polyunsaturate is also desirable for preserving the clarity of
the composition, especially when the composition is exposed to low
temperatures (40.degree. F. or below). Therefore, it is not
acceptable in all cases to eliminate the yellowing problem by
simply removing all polyunsaturated softener compositions. Attempts
to eliminate polyunsaturated fatty acyl groups and specifically,
the C18:3 species can reduce the overall cis/trans isomer ratio,
resulting in poorer clarity at lower temperatures, i.e., 40.degree.
F. or lower. Instead, it is surprisingly found that the yellowing
can be significantly mitigated without removing polyunsaturated
softeners by introducing materials that control the auto-oxidation
reaction and/or, optionally, optically mask the yellow cast.
[0306] (i) Metal Chelating Agent.
[0307] Metals present in fabrics, products, water supply or
arriving from other sources, especially transition metals and
particularly copper and iron, can act to catalyze auto-oxidation of
unsaturated materials, which can produce colored compounds.
Therefore, metal chelating agents, which can be fabric substantive
are added to the composition to control and reduce, or eliminate,
catalysis of auto-oxidation reactions by metals. Metal chelating
agents contain amine and especially tertiary amine moieties since
these tend to be fabric substantive and very effectively chelate
copper and iron as well as other metals. Aldehydes are produced by
the auto-oxidation reactions, these are easily oxidized, and are
believed to propagate the auto-oxidation reactions. Therefore
amine-based metal chelating agents, and especially tertiary amine
moieties, are also preferred since these react with aldehydes to
terminate the auto-oxidation reactions.
[0308] The product contains at least about 0.01%, preferably at
least about 0.05%, more preferably at least about 0.10% even more
preferably about 0.5%, and most preferably at least about 0.75% and
less than about 10%, preferably less than about 5.0% and more
preferably less than about 1.0% by weight of a metal chelating
agent. Levels below 1.0% are especially preferred in this
formulation, since higher levels of metal chelating agents lead to
instability in the formulation.
[0309] The structural description of a amine-based metal chelating
compound for use in this composition is given below:
(R.sub.1)(R.sub.2)N(CX.sub.2).sub.nN(R.sub.3)(R.sub.4)
[0310] wherein X is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen,
linear or branched, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl having from
1 to 10 carbons atoms and substituted or unsubstituted aryl having
at least 6 carbon atoms; n is an integer from 0 to 6; R.sub.1,
R.sub.2, R.sub.3, and R.sub.4 are independently selected from the
group consisting of alkyl; aryl; alkaryl; arylalkyl; hydroxyalkyl;
polyhydroxyalkyl; polyalkylether having the formula
--((CH.sub.2).sub.yO).sub.zR.sub.7 where R.sub.7 is hydrogen or a
linear, branched, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl chain having
from 1 to 10 carbon atoms and where y is an integer from 2 to 10
and z is an integer from 1 to 30; alkoxy; polyalkoxy having the
formula: --(O(CH.sub.2).sub.zR.sub.7; the group --C(O)R.sub.8 where
R.sub.8 is alkyl; alkaryl; arylalkyl; hydroxyalkyl;
polyhydroxyalkyl and polyalkyether as defined in R.sub.1, R.sub.2,
R.sub.3, and R.sub.4; (CX.sub.2).sub.nN(R.sub.5)(R.sub.6) with no
more than one of R.sub.1, R.sub.2, R.sub.3, and R.sub.4 being
(CX.sub.2).sub.nN(R.sub.5)(R.sub.6) and wherein R.sub.5 and R.sub.6
are alkyl; alkaryl; arylalkyl; hydroxyalkyl; polyhydroxyalkyl;
polyalkylether; alkoxy and polyalkoxy as defined in R.sub.1,
R.sub.2, R.sub.3, and R.sub.4; and either of R.sub.1+R.sub.3 or
R.sub.4 or R.sub.2+R.sub.3 or R.sub.4 can combine to form a cyclic
substituent.
[0311] Preferred agents include those where R.sub.1, R.sub.2,
R.sub.3, and R.sub.4 are independently selected from the group
consisting of alkyl groups having from 1 to 10 carbon atoms and
hydroxyalkyl groups having from 1 to 5 carbon atoms, preferably
ethyl, methyl, hydroxyethyl, hydroxypropyl and isohydroxypropyl.
The color care agent has more than about 1% nitrogen by weight of
the compound, and preferably more than 7%. A preferred agent is
tetrakis-(2-hydroxylpropyl) ethylenediamine (TPED).
[0312] Other suitable water-soluble chelating agents can be
selected from the group consisting of amino carboxylates, amino
phosphonates, polyfunctionally-substituted aromatic chelating
agents and mixtures thereof, all as hereinafter defined. The
chelating agents disclosed in said U.S. Pat. No. 5,759,990 at
column 26, line 29 through column 27, line 38 are suitable.
[0313] A suitable amine-based metal chelator, EDDS, that can be
used herein (also known as ethylenediamine-N,N'-disuccinate) is the
material described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,704,233, cited hereinabove,
and has the formula (shown in free acid form):
HN(L)C.sub.2H.sub.4N(L)H
[0314] wherein L is a CH.sub.2(COOH)CH.sub.2(COOH) group.
[0315] A wide variety of chelators can be used herein. Indeed,
simple polycarboxylates such as citrate, oxydisuccinate, and the
like, can also be used, although such chelators are not as
effective as the amino carboxylates and phosphonates, on a weight
basis. Accordingly, usage levels may be adjusted to take into
account differing degrees of chelating effectiveness. The chelators
herein will preferably have a stability constant (of the fully
ionized chelator) for copper ions of at least about 5, preferably
at least about 7. Typically, the chelators will comprise from about
0.05% to about 10%, more preferably from about 0.75% to about 5%,
by weight of the compositions herein, in addition to those that are
stabilizers. Preferred chelators include DETMP, DETPA, NTA, EDDS,
and EDTA.
[0316] Mixtures of metal chelating agents are acceptable for use
herein.
[0317] (ii) Brighteners
[0318] Optical brighteners also known as fluorescent whitening
agents (FWAs) or fluorescent brighteners preserve whiteness by
compensating for the yellow appearance by adding a complementary
color to the fabric and thus the undesired yellowing is rendered
invisible. Not to be bound by theory, but auto-oxidation of the
polyunsaturated softener compounds generates compounds that appear
yellow on white fabrics because these compounds absorb
short-wavelength light, light in the range of violet to blue or
wavelengths between about 370 nm to 550 nm. Optical brighteners
replace this missing part of the spectrum and so a white appearance
is retained. Optical brighteners absorb light shorter wavelength
ultraviolet light and emit light via fluorescence in the blue to
blue violet range of the spectrum.
[0319] The product contains from at least about 0.005%, preferably
at least about 0.01%, more preferably at least about 0.05%, even
more preferably at least about 0.1%, still more preferably at least
about 0.17% and less than about 5%, preferably less than about 3%,
more preferably less than about 2% and most preferably less than
about 1% of an agent know as an optical brightening agent
(brightener). Lower levels of brightener are used in the presence
of the metal chelating compound. In the absence of the metal
chelating compound, higher levels of brightener are preferred.
[0320] Preferred optical brighteners are colorless on the substrate
and do not absorb in the visible part of the spectrum. Preferred
optical brighteners are also lightfast, meaning that these do not
degrade substantially in sunlight. Optical brighteners suitable for
use in this invention absorb light in the ultraviolet portion of
the spectrum between 275 nm and about 400 nm and emit light in the
violet to violet-blue range of the spectrum from about 400 nm to
about 550 nm. Preferably, the optical brightener will contain an
uninterrupted chain of conjugated double bounds. Optical
brighteners are typically, but not limited to, derivatives of
stilbene or 4,4'-diaminostilbene, biphenyl, five-membered
heterocycles such as triazoles, oxazoles, imidiazoles, etc., or
six-membered heterocycles (coumarins, naphthalamide, s-triazine,
etc.). Many specific brightener structures are described in The
Kirk-Othmer Encyclopedia of Chemistry 3.sup.rd Ed., pp 214-226 and
in references therein U.S. Pat. No. 5,759,990 at column 21, lines
15-60; said references being incorporated herein by reference as
suitable for use in this invention. Ionic brighteners with a
positive or negative charge are preferred as this improves
solubility in the compositions disclosed herein and thus are easier
to formulate and are more stable.
[0321] Some preferred, but nonlimiting brighteners are
Optiblanc.RTM. GL and Optiblanc.RTM. LSN from 3V Inc., Weehawken,
New Jersey, Tinopals.RTM. CBS SP Slurry 33, PLC, UNPA-GX, 4BM,
4BMS, 5BM, 5BMS, 5BM-GX, AMS-GX, DMS-X, DCS Liquid, K, ERN, LCS,
LFW, and TAS, Univex.RTM., SK, ERN, and AT, from Ciba, High Point,
N.C., Blankophor.RTM. FBW, FB, LPG, and HRS, from Mobay. In
addition to preventing auto-oxidation, some brighteners also
prevent dye transfer.
[0322] (iii) Bluing Agents
[0323] Bluing agents also act to preserve whiteness by compensating
for the yellow appearance by again adding a complementary color to
the fabric and thus the undesired yellowing is no longer
noticeable. Like optical brighteners, bluing agents replace this
missing part of the spectrum and so a white appearance is retained.
Typically, the water soluble blue dyes that are used as bluing
agents are anionic and associate with cationic softener actives and
thereby deposit on fabric along with the softener active(s).
Typically the bluing agents are included at levels of at least
about 0.005%, more preferably at 0.001% even more preferably at
0.005% and most preferably at least about 0.01% and less than about
10%, preferably less than about 5%, and more preferably less than
about 1% by weight of the composition. Examples are Polar Brilliant
Blue (Acid Blue 127:1), Liquitint Patent Blue, and Liquitint Blue
65, all from Milliken & Company and Acid Blue 80 from the
Hilton-Davis Co., Cincinnati, Ohio. Oil soluble blue dyes and
pigments can also be used.
[0324] (iv) UV Absorbers
[0325] Not to be bound by theory, but UV absorbers can operate by
protecting the fabric and any fabric softener compound deposited on
the fabric from UV exposure. UV light is know to initiate
auto-oxidation processes and suprisingly, UV absorbers can be
deposited on fabric in such a way that UV light is blocked from the
fabric and fabric plus composition thus preventing the initiation
of auto-oxidation.
[0326] Preferably the UV absorber compound absorbs light at a
wavelength of from about 315 nm to about 400 nm and is a preferably
solid having a melting point of from about 25.degree. C. to about
75.degree. C., more preferably from about 25.degree. C. to about
50.degree. C. UV absorbers are included at levels of at least about
0.005% preferably at least about 0.05% and less than about 10%,
preferably less than about 5% by weight of the composition.
[0327] Preferably these UV absorber compounds contain at least one
chromophore selected from the group consisting of: 1
[0328] wherein each R is a hydrogen, methyl, ethyl, C.sub.1 to
C.sub.22 branched or straight chain alkyl group and mixtures
thereof, preferably a methyl group; and wherein the compound
containing the chromophore is a non-fabric staining, light stable
compound containing preferably at least one C.sub.8-C.sub.22
hydrocarbon fatty organic moiety; wherein the chromophore absorbs
light at a wavelength of from about 290 nm to about 450 nm; wherein
the compound is a solid having a melting point of from about
25.degree. C. to about 90.degree. C. or, optionally, a viscous
liquid at a temperature of less than about 40.degree. C.
[0329] Preferably the UV absorber compound is a compound containing
at least one chromophore selected from the group consisting of (I),
(II), (III), (IV), (V), (VII), (VIII), and mixtures thereof; more
preferably the UV absorber compound is a compound containing at
least one chromophore selected from the group consisting of (I),
(II), (III), (IV), and mixtures thereof; and even more preferably
(I), (II), and mixtures thereof. Furthermore, compounds containing
at least one formula (I) chromophore are especially preferred.
[0330] More preferably these UV absorber compounds are selected
from the group consisting of: 2
[0331] wherein R.sup.1 is a hydrogen or a C.sub.1 to C.sub.22 alkyl
group; preferably a hydrogen or a methyl group;
[0332] R.sup.2 is a hydrogen or a C.sub.1 to C.sub.22 alkyl group;
preferably a hydrogen or methyl group;
[0333] R.sup.3 is a C.sub.1 to C.sub.22 alkyl group; preferably a
C.sub.8 to C.sub.18 alkyl group; more preferably a C.sub.12 to
C.sub.18 alkyl group;
[0334] each R.sup.4 is a hydrogen, a C.sub.1 to C.sub.22 alkyl
group, and mixtures thereof; preferably a methyl group, a C.sub.8
to C.sub.22 alkyl group, and mixtures thereof, more preferably one
R.sup.4 is a C.sub.10 to C.sub.20 alkyl group, preferably a
C.sub.12 to C.sub.18 alkyl group, and the other R.sup.4 group is a
methyl group;
[0335] each R.sup.5 is a hydrogen, hydroxy group, a C.sub.1 to
C.sub.22 alkyl group, (which can be an ester, amide, or ether
interrupted group), and mixtures thereof, preferably a hydrogen,
hydroxy group, and mixtures thereof, more preferably hydrogen;
[0336] R.sup.6 is a hydrogen, hydroxy group, methoxy group, a
C.sub.1 to C.sub.22 alkyl group, (which can be an ester, amide, or
ether interrupted group), and mixtures thereof, preferably a
C.sub.1 to C.sub.22 alkyl group with an ether or ester interrupted
group, and mixtures thereof, more preferably a methoxy group, a
C.sub.8 to C.sub.22 alkyl group with an ester interrupted group,
and mixtures thereof;
[0337] R.sup.7 is a hydrogen, hydroxy group, or a C.sub.1 to
C.sub.20 alkyl group, preferably a hydrogen or a hydroxy group,
more preferably a hydroxy group;
[0338] R.sup.8 is a hydrogen, hydroxy group, or a C.sub.1 to
C.sub.22 alkyl group, (which can be an ester, amide, or ether
interrupted group); preferably a C.sub.1 to C.sub.22 alkyl group;
more preferably a C.sub.1 to C.sub.18 alkyl group, and even more
preferably a methyl group, a "tert"-amyl group, or a dodecyl group;
and
[0339] R.sup.9 is a hydrogen, hydroxy group, or a C.sub.1 to
C.sub.22 alkyl group, (which can be an ester, amide, or ether
interrupted group); preferably a "tert"-amyl, methyl phenyl group,
or a coco dimethyl butanoate group.
[0340] These UV absorber compounds absorb light at a wavelength of
from about 290 nm to about 450 nm, preferably from about 315 nm to
about 400 nm.
[0341] R.sub.5, R.sub.6, R.sub.7, R.sub.8, and R.sub.9 can be
interrupted by the corresponding ester linkage interrupted group
with a short alkylene (C.sub.1-C.sub.4) group.
[0342] Preferred UV absorber agents of the present invention are
selected from the group consisting of fatty derivatives of PABA,
benzophenones, cinnamic acid, and phenyl benzotriazoles,
specifically, octyl dimethyl PABA, dimethyl PABA lauryl ester,
dimethyl PABA oleoyl ester, benzophenone-3 coco acetate ether,
benzophenone-3 available under the tradename Spectra-Sorb.RTM. UV-9
from Cyanamid, 2-(2'-Hydroxy-3',5'-di-te- rt-amylphenyl
benzotriazole which is available under the tradename Tinuvin.RTM.
328 from Ciba-Geigy, Tinuvin.RTM. coco ester 2-(2'-Hydroxy,3'-(coco
dimethyl butanoate)-5'-methylphenyl) benzotriazole, and mixtures
thereof. Preferred UV absorbers agents of the present invention are
benzotriazole derivatives since these materials absorb broadly
throughout the UV region. Preferred benzotriazole derivatives are
selected from the group consisting of 2-(2'-Hydroxy, 3'-dodecyl,
5'-methylphenyl) benzotriazole available under the tradename
Tinuvin.RTM.571 (Ciba) available from Ciba-Geigy, and Coco
3-[3'-(2H-benzotriazol-2'-yl)-5-tert-butyl-4'-hydroxyphenyl]
propionate.
[0343] Other conventional UV absorbers can be used but are
generally less suitable because they less effectively deposit on
surfaces, sometimes discolor fabrics, are not always stable or
compatible with other components in the composition, and are often
expensive.
[0344] (v) Oxidative Stabilizers
[0345] Oxidative stabilizers can be present in the compositions of
the present invention to prevent yellowing by acting as a scavenger
for oxidative processes, thus preventing and/or terminating
auto-oxidation or by reversing oxidation and thus reversing
yellowing. The term "oxidative stabilizer," as used herein,
includes antioxidants and reductive agents. These agents are
present at a level of from 0% to about 2%, preferably from about
0.01% to about 0.2%, more preferably from about 0.035% to about
0.1% for antioxidants, and, preferably, from about 0.01% to about
0.2% for reductive agents.
[0346] Examples of antioxidants that can be added to the
compositions and in the processing of this invention include a
mixture of ascorbic acid, ascorbic palmitate, propyl gallate,
available from Eastman Chemical Products, Inc., under the trade
names Tenox.RTM. PG and Tenox.RTM. S-1; a mixture of BHT (butylated
hydroxytoluene), BHA (butylated hydroxyanisole), propyl gallate,
and citric acid, available from Eastman Chemical Products, Inc.,
under the trade name Tenox.RTM.-6; butylated hydroxytoluene,
available from UOP Process Division under the trade name
Sustane.RTM. BHT; tertiary butylhydroquinone, Eastman Chemical
Products, Inc., as Tenox.RTM. TBHQ; natural tocopherols, Eastman
Chemical Products, Inc., as Tenox.RTM. GT-1/GT-2; and butylated
hydroxyanisole, Eastman Chemical Products, Inc., as BHA; long chain
esters (C.sub.8-C.sub.22) of gallic acid, e.g., dodecyl gallate;
Irganox.RTM. 1010; Irganox.RTM. 1035; Irganox.RTM. B 1171;
Irganox.RTM. 1425; Irganox.RTM. 3114; Irganox.RTM. 3125; and
mixtures thereof; preferably Irganox.RTM. 3125, Irganox.RTM. 1425,
Irganox.RTM. 3114, and mixtures thereof; more preferably Irganox
3125 alone or mixed with citric acid and/or other chelators such as
isopropyl citrate, Dequest.RTM. 2010, available from Monsanto with
a chemical name of 1-hydroxyethylidene-1,1-diphosphonic acid
(etidronic acid), and Tiron.RTM., available from Kodak with a
chemical name of 4,5-di-hydroxy-m-benzene-sulfonic acid/sodium
salt, and DTPA.RTM., available from Aldrich with a chemical name of
diethylenetriaminepentaace- tic acid.
[0347] Oxidative stabilizers can also be added at any point during
the process of making fabric softener raw materials where
polyunsaturated compounds would be present. E.g., these could be
added into oils used to make fatty acids, during fatty acid making
and/or storage during fabric softener making and/or storage. These
assure good odor stability under long term storage conditions. It
is especially critical to add these to the process steps used to
make unscented or low scent products (no or low perfume).
[0348] (vi) Combinations Whiteness Preservatives
[0349] Combinations of whiteness preservatives are also useful for
the present invention.
[0350] 10. Mixtures Thereof
[0351] A variety of mixtures and combinations of optional
supplemental wrinkle control agents, optional odor control agents,
optional perfumes, optional antimicrobial actives, optional
aminocarboxylate chelators, optional water-soluble polyionic
polymers, optional antistatic agents, optional insect repellants,
optional colorants, optional anti-clogging agents, can be used in
the present wrinkle controlling compositions.
II. Spray Pattern
[0352] Providing an optimal spray pattern is important to producing
optimal performance in a spray that will be used to treat fabrics.
The key parameter effective in minimizing staining and reducing dry
time is to achieve uniform distribution of a liquid product over
the surface area of the fabric. This becomes more critical as
components are added to an aqueous system and the amount of water
vs. other components is reduced. The higher the level of non-water
components becomes, the greater the risk of leaving a stain on
fabrics. Uniform distribution in a spray pattern is measured as:
the volume of product dispensed per unit of surface area and the
standard deviation in the volume deposited per unit of surface
area. To achieve uniform distribution, the sprayer chosen must be
capable producing an acceptable spray pattern that falls within the
limits on volume of product dispensed per unit area and on the
standard deviation in volume per unit surface area disclosed
herein.
[0353] The composition must also meet certain requirements to
achieve a good distribution pattern. Not to be bound by theory, but
as the extensional viscosity of the product increases, it becomes
more difficult for particles to separate on spraying and the cone
angle of the spray collapses resulting in the liquid dispensing
over a smaller area on the surface of the fabric, forcing the
formation of `hot spots` even when acceptable sprayers are used.
Therefore, the product composition must meet certain requirements
for extensional viscosity. The extensional viscosity is typically
expressed as the Trouton ratio, that is the ratio of extensional
viscosity to shear viscosity.
[0354] There are many techniques that can be used to measure the
extensional rheology of fluids, and they usually fall into two
categories. The first category contains "flow through" devices, and
the second one contains "stagnation point" devices. Note that it is
more accurate to call the measuring equipment "indexers" rather
than "rheometers", since in the extensional measurement equipment
the stress response is not usually free of extraneous stress
contributions.
[0355] Most of the first devices rely on the fluid being spinnable,
like the tubeless siphon, and spinning techniques. These techniques
are usually limited to low rates of strain and to generally highly
viscous or elastic fluids. Therefore, their applicability to
spraying might be limited. Examples of the spinning techniques are
fiber spinning, "falling droplet" or "filament stretching".
Alternatively, orifice flow techniques, which measure the pressure
drop across a contraction, can be used for fluids that cannot be
spinned. However, the interpretation of the data is not
straightforward even for Newtonian fluids. For non-Newtonian
fluids, the difficulty is even more pronounced as recirculating
vortices and viscoelastic instabilities are present. Other
variations of the flow technique are those of flow through "packed
beds" or "screen packs". Increased flow resistance through beds or
packs indicates the presence of extensional viscosity. However,
rather than measuring an absolute value, the flow through screen
packs yields a relative index of extensional viscosity.
[0356] On the other hand, the stagnation point devices, such as the
roll mill, lubricated-die converging flow rheometer, cross-slot
cell, and the opposing jet device can be used to study the
extensional behavior of low-viscosity fluids. The Rheometrics RFX
rheometer (Rheometric Scientific Inc., Piscataway, N.J.) is an
opposing-jet device that is commercially available. Finally,
comparison of the extensional viscosity data from the various
devices that were referred to above is difficult due to the
different strain history that each device imposes on the sample.
Thus, it is expected that the viscosity results from these
different devices will be scattered considerably.
[0357] Sprayers that provide an acceptable spray pattern dispense a
volume per unit surface area of less than about 0.07 ml/inch.sup.2
(0.011 ml/cm.sup.2); preferably less than about 0.05
ml/inch.sup.2(0.0078 ml/cm.sup.2); more preferably less than about
0.035 ml/inch.sup.2 (0.0054 ml/cm.sup.2); even more preferably less
than about 0.025 ml/inch.sup.2 (0.0039 ml/cm.sup.2); and still more
preferably less than about 0.02 ml/inch.sup.2 (0.0031 ml/cm.sup.2);
with a standard deviation in the volume per unit surface area of
less than about 0.056 ml/inch.sup.2 (0.0087 ml/cm.sup.2);
preferably less than about 0.05 ml/inch.sup.2 (0.0078 ml/cm.sup.2);
more preferably less than about 0.03 ml/inch.sup.2 (0.0047
ml/cm.sup.2); even more preferably less than about 0.022
ml/inch.sup.2 (0.0034 ml/cm.sup.2); still more preferably less than
about 0.02 ml/inch.sup.2 (0.0031 ml/cm.sup.2); and still more
preferably less than about 0.018 ml/inch.sup.2 (0.0028
ml/cm.sup.2).
[0358] The Trouton ratio, at the extension and shear rates of less
than about 20,000 s.sup.-1, should be less than about 10,000,
preferably less than about 5,000, more preferably less than about
1,000, even more preferably less than about 500, and still more
preferably less than about 100.
[0359] Suitable spray dispensers used to provide the desired spray
pattern herein include, but are not limited to, the Indesco T-8500
available from Continental Sprayers Inc., and the TS-800-2 and
TS-800-2E available from Calmar, Inc.
III. Article of Manufacture
[0360] The present invention also encompasses articles of
manufacture comprising (1) a spray dispenser, (2) container, and
(3) a wrinkle controlling composition. Optionally, an article of
manufacture of the present invention can include a set instructions
in association with the article. A variety of containers,
compositions, spray dispensers and instructions can be utilized in
the present articles of manufacture as described hereinafter.
[0361] The present articles of manufacture optionally, but
preferably, comprise a set of instructions that are typically
associated with the container. The set of instructions typically
communicates to the consumer of the present articles to dispense
the composition in an amount effective to provide a solution to
problems involving, and/or provision of a benefit relating to,
those selected from the group consisting of: killing or reducing
the level of, microorganisms; reducing odors; improving softness,
improving appearance, repelling pests, and/or reducing static in
addition to the reduction of wrinkles. It is important that the
consumer of the present article be aware of these benefits, since
otherwise the consumer would not know that the composition would
solve these problems or combination of problems and/or provide
these benefits or combination of benefits.
[0362] As used herein, the phrases "in association with" and
"associated with" mean the set of instructions are either directly
printed on the container itself packaging for the container or
presented in a separate manner including, but not limited to, a
brochure, print advertisement, electronic advertisement, and/or
broadcast communication, so as to communicate the set of
instructions to a consumer of the article of manufacture. The set
of instructions preferably comprises the instruction to apply an
effective amount of the composition, preferably by spraying, to
provide the indicated benefit, e.g., wrinkle reduction, and,
optionally, antimicrobial action, and/or anti-static effect, etc.
and, also optionally, the provision of odor control and/or
reduction.
[0363] A more complete disclosure of the instructions is presented
hereinafter.
[0364] A. Spray Dispensers Providing Spray Pattern
[0365] Sprayers providing the spray pattern should provide a spray
pattern consistent with uniform distribution as described by the
volume per unit of surface area and the standard deviation in the
volume per unit of surface area. Optimal spray patterns have been
described hereinbefore. Nonlimiting examples of sprayers producing
such a pattern include the TS-800-2 and TS-800-2E from available
Calmar, Inc. and the Indesco T-8500 available from Continental
Sprayers Inc. ("CSI").
[0366] B. Container
[0367] The wrinkle controlling composition may be retained in and
dispensed from any conventional container. The container serves as
a reservoir for the wrinkle controlling composition but is not
otherwise critical to the invention. The container may be a variety
of sizes for particular uses. For instance, a container containiner
more than about 500 ml of the wrinkle controlling composition may
be preferred for re-fill purposes. A 500 ml capacity container may
be more preferred for everday dispensing of the composition.
Further, a container having a capacity of less than about 400 ml,
preferably less than 250 ml, and even more preferably less than 150
ml is conveniently portable for use when "travelling".
[0368] C. Wrinkle Controlling Composition
[0369] The present article of manufacture can comprise a wrinkle
controlling composition according to the compositions described
hereinbefore in Section I. The present compositions are preferably
held in a container such as spray dispenser to easily dispense the
compositions onto fabrics to be treated
[0370] D. Set of Instructions
[0371] An article of manufacture can optionally comprise the
composition of the present invention in a container in association
with a set of instructions to use the composition in an amount
effective to provide a solution to problems involving and/or
provision of a benefit related to those selected from the group
consisting of: killing or reducing microbes; reducing odor;
reducing time and/or effort involved in ironing fabrics, and/or
reducing static in addition to the reduction in wrinkles. It is
important that the consumer be aware of these additional benefits,
since otherwise the consumer would not know that the composition
would solve these problems and/or provide these benefits.
[0372] As used herein, the phrases "in association with" and
"associated with" mean that the set of instructions are either
directly printed on the container itself or presented in a separate
manner including, but not limited to, a brochure, print
advertisement, electronic advertisement, and/or verbal
communication, so as to communicate the set of instructions to a
consumer of the article of manufacture. The set of instructions
preferably comprises the instruction to apply an effective amount
of the composition, preferably by spraying, to provide the
indicated benefit, e.g. wrinkle reduction, antimicrobial action,
static effect, and/or reduction in time and/or effort of ironing
and, optionally, the provision of the main effect of odor control
and/or reduction.
[0373] The set of instructions of the present articles can comprise
the instruction or instructions to achieve the benefits discussed
herein by carrying out any of the methods of using wrinkle
controlling compositions, including the present silicone oil
emulsion compositions, as described herein.
IV. Methods of Use
[0374] A wrinkle controlling composition as described hereinbefore,
which comprises essentially water and optional components, e.g.,
alkylene oxide polysiloxane copolymer, surfactant, odor control
agents, fragrance, antimicrobial compound, etc., can be used by
distributing, e.g., by placing, an effective amount of the aqueous
solution onto the surface or article to be treated. Distribution
can be achieved by using a spray-type dispensers distributing
wrinkle composition. For wrinkle control, an effective amount means
an amount sufficient to remove or noticeably reduce the appearance
of wrinkles on fabric. For odor control, an effective amount, as
defined herein, means an amount sufficient to absorb odor to effect
a noticeable reduction in the perceived odor, preferably to the
point that it is not discernible, by the human sense of smell. For
static control an effective amount, as defined herein, means and
amount sufficient to noticeably reduce voltage on fabrics and cling
between fabrics. Preferably, the amount of solution is not so much
as to saturate or create a pool of liquid on said article or
surface and so that when dry there is no visual deposit readily
discernible.
[0375] Preferably, the present invention does not encompass
distributing the composition onto non-fabric surfaces. However when
optional cyclodextrin in the composition it can be used on other
surfaces for odor control. However, care should be taken when
treating such composition on shiny surfaces including, e.g.,
chrome, glass, smooth vinyl, leather, shiny plastic, shiny wood,
etc., because spotting and filming can occur on such surfaces.
However, when appearance is not important, the composition of the
present invention containing optional cyclodextrin can be sprayed
onto shiny surfaces to obtain odor control benefit. Although the
cyclodextrin solution can be used on human skin, care should be
taken, especially when an antimicrobial active is present in the
composition.
[0376] The compositions and articles of the present invention which
contain a fabric wrinkle control agent can be used to treat
fabrics, garments, household fabrics, e.g. curtains, bed spreads,
pillowcases, table clothes, napkins, and the like to remove or
reduce, undesirable wrinkles, in addition to the optional removal
or reduction of undesirable odor on said objects.
[0377] An effective amount of the liquid composition of the present
invention is preferably sprayed onto fabrics, particularly
clothing. When the composition is sprayed onto fabric, an effective
amount should be deposited onto the fabric, with the fabric
becoming damp or totally saturated with the composition, at least
where the wrinkle exists, typically from about 5% to about 150%,
preferably from about 10% to about 100%, more preferably from about
20% to about 75%, by weight of the fabric. The amount of polymer
active typically sprayed onto the fabric is from about 0.001% to
about 2%, preferably from about 0.01% to about 0.5%, more
preferably from about 0.02% to about 0.2%, by weight of the fabric.
Once an effective amount of the composition is sprayed onto the
fabric the fabric is optionally, but preferably stretched while
still damp. The fabric is typically stretched perpendicular to the
wrinkle, where the wrinkle has a clearly defined line. The fabric
can also be smoothed by hand after it has been sprayed and is still
damp. In some cases, it is acceptable to simply hang the fabric,
while still damp on a hanger or clothes line without further
manipulation by hand after spraying. The smoothing movement works
particularly well on areas of clothing that have an interface sewn
into them, or on the hems of clothing. Once the fabric has been
sprayed and optionally, but preferably, stretched or smoothed, it
is hung until dry or maintained under stress to reduce the
reappearance of the wrinkle.
[0378] The compositions of the present invention can also be used
as ironing aids. An effective amount of the composition can be
sprayed onto fabric and the fabric is ironed at the normal
temperature at which it should be ironed. The fabric can either be
sprayed with an effective amount of the composition, allowed to dry
and then ironed, or sprayed and ironed immediately.
[0379] The compositions herein are especially useful, when used to
treat garments for extending the time before another wash cycle is
needed. Such garments include uniforms and other garments which are
normally treated in an industrial process, which can be dewrinkled
and/or refreshed and the time between treatments extended.
[0380] The presence of the preferred alkylene oxide silicone
copolymer imparts softness and lubricity to the surface that can
counteract the harsh feel cyclodextrin, other formulations
components or detergent residues. The presence of the preferred
surfactant promotes spreading of the solution and the highly
preferred antimicrobial active provides improved odor control as
well as antimicrobial action, by minimizing the formation of odors.
Both the surfactant and the antimicrobial active provide improved
performance and the mixture is especially good. When the
compositions are applied in the form of the very small particles
(droplets), as disclosed hereinbefore, additional benefits are
found, since the distribution is even further improved and overall
performance is improved.
[0381] Fabrics can be treated with wrinkle controlling compositions
in either the dry state or a wet state. For some situations it is
preferable to treat garments or fabrics while those garments or
fabrics are dry. For instance, if the fabric is already dry and/or
in place where removal would be difficult, e.g., if the wrinkle
controlling composition will be used to smooth window curtains or
shower curtains that are already hanging or bed clothes that are
already on the bed, or dry clothes with minor wrinkles that will be
worn soon, it is preferable to treat these items in the already dry
state. A particularly preferred situation involves dry clothing or
fabrics that have wrinkles caused by compression, e.g. stored in
tight containers (suitcases, trunks), compressed in tight spaces
(closets, cabinets), left for some period of time after the end of
the drying cycle in an automatic clothes dryer, and/or wrinkled
after in-wear conditions. For some situations it may be preferable
to treat the fabrics while they are in the wet state before they
are dry to simplify smoothing. For instance a consumer will
normally find it convenient to treat fabrics as these fabrics are
being hung to dry on a line or a hanger, e.g., when hand washing
garments it is often more convenient to treat the garment just
after the rinse and before drying. In general, for wrinkle
controlling compositions treating in the wet state is preferable
because the active from the wrinkle controlling compositions
spreads better on wet fabrics vs. dry fabrics, since the dry
fabrics will absorb some of the water and/or solvent, thus
decreasing the mobility of the actives.
[0382] If the wrinkle controlling compositions show any separation,
it will be desirable to shake well before using to guarantee good
distribution and consistent dosing. The sprayer tip is then moved
to the position marked "on" or to the position that is marked
indicating the sprayer stream will be released when the triggering
mechanism is activated. There can be more than one position marked
to indicate different rates of delivery, or spray patterns. The
stream with the desired characteristics is chosen. When treating
the garments with the wrinkle controlling compositions herein it is
recommended to hold the distribution means, e.g., a spray bottle,
with the nozzle pointed towards the garment with the nozzle
typically at distances where the lower distance from the fabric is
at least about 2 inches from the fabric, preferably at least about
3 inches from the fabric, more preferably at least about 4 inches
from the fabric, still more preferably at least about 5 inches from
the fabric and most preferably at least about 6 inches from the
fabric, while the upper distance from fabric is less than about 15
inches, preferably less than about 12 inches, more preferably less
than about 10 inches, still more preferably less than about 9
inches and most preferably less than about 8 inches. Typically,
wrinkle controlling compositions should be applied in a manner that
achieves even coverage over the entire fabric surface. While it is
acceptable to treat the overall garment using a discrete spraying
action e.g. spray a spot on a fabric and then move to another spot
on the fabric and spray, it is preferably to spray fabrics using a
sweeping motion over the fabric to aid maximum spreading and
coverage of the wrinkle controlling composition. This even
distribution is conveniently achieved by using a powered sprayer
e.g. battery or electrical powered. In cases where more difficult
wrinkles exist on the fabrics, it is usually desirable to
concentrate a higher dose of wrinkle controlling composition on
these wrinkled sites vs. the bulk of the fabric. For garments that
have a few lighter wrinkles, it is normally preferable to apply
wrinkle controlling compositions generally over these sites.
However, it is acceptable to treat only the part of a fabric that
will be visible, e.g., the front of a shirt where only the front
will be visible since the back will be covered by a jacket.
[0383] When dry fabrics are treated with the wrinkle controlling
compositions, the amount of wrinkle controlling composition that
should be used is dependent on several factors including, but not
limited to, the weight of the fabric, the type of fabric, and the
type of wrinkle in the fabric. Fabrics can have several types of
wrinkles. One type of wrinkle is characterized by its relative
depth and sharpness. Such wrinkles are difficult to remove and
require more of wrinkle controlling compositions and more work by
the user to remove. When fabrics have such tough to remove wrinkles
or the fabric is heavy, wrinkle controlling compositions are
typically applied at higher levels of at least about 0.01 times the
weight of the fabric, preferably at least about 0.1 time the weight
of the fabric, more preferably at least about 0.25 times the weight
of the fabric and at higher levels of about 2 times the weight of
the fabric, more preferably about 1.5 times the weight of the
fabric, even more preferably about 1 times the weight of the fabric
and most preferably about 0.75 times the weight of the fabric.
[0384] Another type of wrinkle is characterized by its broad nature
and lack of depth; such wrinkles are often referred to as
"bumpiness", "waviness", or "rumples". Such wrinkles are often less
difficult to remove than the sharp type of wrinkle discussed above.
When fabrics are lighter in weight or have wrinkles that are less
difficult to remove wrinkle controlling compositions are typically
applied at lower levels of about 0.001 times the weight of the
fabric, preferably about 0.01 times the weight of the fabric, more
preferably about 0.05 times the weight of the fabric, even more
preferably about 0.1 times the weight of the fabric and most
preferably about 0.25 times the weight of the fabric and at higher
levels of about 1.5 times the weight of the fabric, preferably
about 1 times the weight of the fabric, more preferably about 0.75
times the weight of the fabric and most preferably about 0.5 times
the weight of the fabric. To reduce the potential for staining, it
is always preferable to minimize the total amount of wrinkle
controlling composition needed to remove the wrinkles form the
fabric.
[0385] After fabrics are treated with the wrinkle controlling
composition, there are several manipulations that can be employed
to aid in controlling the wrinkles. The garments can be stretched
both perpendicular and parallel to the wrinkle (or at any angle
around the wrinkle) which will help to ease the wrinkle out of the
clothing. Stretching the fabrics in a direction perpendicular to
the line of the wrinkle is especially helpful in removing the
wrinkle from clothing. The fabrics can also be smoothed using the
hands with pressing and gliding motions similar to those employed
with an iron. The stretching and/or smoothing procedure can be
performed with the garment hung vertically, e.g., on a clothes
hanger or spread on a horizontal surface, such as, a bed, an
ironing board, a table surface, and the like. Another method to
loosen wrinkles after treating involves shaking out fabrics with
enough energy to loosen wrinkles, in some cases it may be necessary
to impart enough energy to cause the fabric to make a snapping
noise or motion. The wrinkles could also be manipulated out of the
fabric using an implement designed to help smooth the fabrics. Such
an implement would be useful in preventing contacts between hands
and wrinkle controlling composition, if desired. Many fabrics or
garments also contain bends in the fabrics, often termed creases or
pleats, that are desireable. Such creases or pleats are often found
on the front of pant legs and the sides of sleeves. These can be
reinforced while the garment is being shaped to preseve the crease.
Creases are reinforced by applying pressure usually by pinching the
fabric either with hands or an implement and pulling the crease
through the pressure point or by hanging the garment so that it
folds at the crease and reinforces it with the pressure of gravity.
The fabric should then be laid out flat to dry or hung on a hanger
or with some other apparatus such that the fabric will remain
smooth while drying. Weights can be attached to critical points on
fabrics and garments to aid in maintaining smooth appearance during
drying. Depending on the amount of product used to treat the
garment and the weight of the garment, the garment should be dried
in air for an upper time of less than about 24 hours, preferably
less than about 12 hours, more preferably less than about 6 hours,
still more preferably less than about 3 hours, and most preferably
equal to or less than about 2 hours and the lower limit of drying
time is equal to or greater than about 5 minutes, preferably
greater than about 10 minutes, more preferably equal to or greater
than about 15 minutes, still more preferably greater than or equal
to about 30 minutes and most preferably greater than or equal to
about 60 minutes. It is preferable to let fabrics that were very
wet prior to treating with the wrinkle controlling composition dry
for longer periods. It is also preferable to let fabrics that are
treated with higher amounts of the wrinkle controlling composition
dry for longer periods of time.
[0386] It is preferable to assist the drying, either by heating, or
blowing air across the fabric surface, or both. Thus, at times it
is desirable to follow the use of wrinkle controlling composition
by treating the fabric with an appliance that can help dry the
clothes. Nonlimiting examples of such appliances are clothes dryers
and hand-held hair dryers. The wrinkle controlling composition, in
combination with an appliance, can be used on both dry or wet
fabrics. For instance, when clothes are dried in a clothes dryer
and then inadvertently left in the clothes dryer or in a laundry
basket or piled on some surface or in some container with out
folding, both wet and dry clothes can become badly wrinkled. To
remedy this situation, the wrinkle controlling composition can be
used in combination with a clothes dryer to remove wrinkles from
single fabrics or garments as well as batches, or loads, of fabrics
and garments. Drying with low-heat or cool air is preferred for
fabrics that normally have a tendency to shrink, such as wool,
silk, rayon, and the like.
[0387] The wrinkle controlling composition can be sprayed onto
fabrics or garments prior to adding fabrics or garments to the
dryer to treat garments in batches and/or dry garments faster after
spraying.
[0388] When using the wrinkle controlling composition through the
dryer, it is preferred, to use smaller bundle sizes with typical
sizes below about 15 lbs (about 6.8 kg), preferably below about 10
lbs (about 4.5 kg), more preferably below about 8 lbs.(about 3.6
kg), even more preferably below about 6 lbs. (about 2.7 kg) and
most preferably at or below about 4 lbs. (about 1.8 kg) When
treating fabrics in the clothes dryer the amount of wrinkle
controlling composition used is dependent on the size of the load
of fabrics. For a preferred 4 lbs. bundle of fabrics, wrinkle
controlling compositions should be used typically at lower levels
of least about 10 g, preferably at least about 20 g, even more
preferably at least about 30 g, still more preferably at least
about 50 g, and most preferably about 66 g, and at higher levels of
equal to or less than about 3000 g, preferably equal to or less
than about 1500 g, more preferably equal to or less than about 750
g, still more preferably equal to or less than about 500 g and most
preferably equal to or less than about 100 g. When the bundle size
is greater than about 4 lbs., higher amounts of wrinkle controlling
composition are appropriate and when the bundle size is smaller
than about 4 lbs. (about 1.8 kg) lower amounts of wrinkle
controlling composition are appropriate.
[0389] Garments and fabrics should be removed as soon as possible,
preferably immediately, following the drying cycle and arranged to
maintain the smooth appearance of the fabrics with for instance,
but not limited to, arranging sleeves, collars, pant legs so these
are smooth and not twisted in any way, hanging the fabric on a
hanger, laying the fabric flat on a or putting the fabric to its
natural use to maintain its appearance e.g. hang curtains, put bed
linens on the bed, put table linens on the table. Preferably the
fabric will not be folded and stored until it is completely
dry.
[0390] A hand-held hair dryer can be used to increase the speed of
drying of individual fabrics. It is preferably to use the hand-held
hair dryer on fabrics that are not very wet since it can be time
consuming to dry fabrics with such an appliance. Therefore, it is
preferably to employ this method on fairly dry fabrics, e.g., those
that started in the dry state.
[0391] When using a hand-held hair dryer, wrinkle controlling
compositions are applied preferably evenly over fabrics and
preferably using the minimal amount of wrinkle controlling
composition necessary. Preferably, the fabric is manipulated as
described above to remove wrinkles prior to drying with the
hand-held hair dryer. The hand-held dryer is turned on either low,
medium, or high heat, preferably medium or high heat and the air
stream is applied evenly over the fabrics until the fabrics are
dry. However, care should be taken to preferably use low-heat
and/or cool air to dry fabrics that are prone to shrinkage, such
as, wool, silk, rayon, and the like, especially when the fabrics
are reaching the point of drying completely. After drying the
fabric should be placed in a configuration that will maintain its
smoothness until use as discussed above.
[0392] Wrinkle controlling compositions can be used as ironing aids
with either wet or dry fabrics to help ease removal of wrinkles by
the ironing process. Wrinkle controlling composition is preferably
applied to fabrics prior to ironing. A preferred way to deliver the
wrinkle controlling composition to the fabrics is by spraying. The
wrinkle controlling composition can also be delivered employing
many of the through-the-dryer methods articulated above. Finally,
in some embodiments, it is acceptable to deliver the wrinkle
controlling composition through the iron concurrent with the
ironing process. The iron should be set to a temperature
appropriate for ironing the fabric. The wrinkle controlling
compositions aid in "plasticizing" the fibers and thus reduce the
time and effort involved in ironing wrinkles out of fabrics. In
general, wrinkle controlling compositions should be used in a way
similar to starch or water when starch or water are used as ironing
aids. After ironing, the fabric should be placed in a configuration
that will maintain its smoothness as discussed above.
[0393] Many household fabrics can be treated with the wrinkle
controlling composition while these household fabrics are residing
in their typical environment. For instance, shower curtains
comprised of fabrics and window curtains can be treated while
hanging on the rods, bed spreads, quilts, sheets, ruffles, and
dusters can be treated while these are on the bed, table linens can
be treated while on the table. Spraying is a preferred method for
treating fabrics residing in their typical environment. In these
cases, reasonable care should be taken to avoid staining the
environment around the fabric. For instance, table linens should be
sprayed very lightly to prevent water from soaking through to the
table, if the table underneath comprises wood or any other material
that will stain, warp, or otherwise become disfigured upon picking
up water or components of the wrinkle controlling compositions. In
many cases, spraying household fabrics in their natural environment
can replace time consuming, costly, inconvenient, or undesirable
processes. For instance, shower curtains are often dewrinkled by
using the bathroom plumbing to generate a large quantity of steam.
Spraying wrinkle controlling composition on the shower curtains
eliminates the need to waste a large quantity of water producing
steam, the potentially undesirable effects of steam on other
elements of the bathroom (e.g., wall covers may peel), and the
inconvenience of having to close the bathroom to use for a certain
period of time. Spraying wrinkle controlling composition on
curtains and bed clothes eliminates the often awkward and time
consuming job of trying to iron large, irregular items; a process
(e.g. ironing) that often results in accidentally generating even
deeper more obvious and harder-to-remove wrinkles, as the user
struggles to control both the large, irregularly shaped fabric and
the iron. Thus, treating household fabrics as they hang in place
with wrinkle controlling composition often minimizes frustration
and struggle. It is especially desirable to dispense wrinkle
removal compositions from a powered sprayer as disclosed above to
further improve the performance and convenience.
[0394] Wrinkle controlling compositions allow a consumer the
freedom to purchase a wider array of garments and fabrics e.g.
garments and fabrics which are desirable but typically avoided
during purchase decisions due to their tendency to wrinkle. Wrinkle
controlling compositions change the care situation of these items
from an impractical, time consuming, and frustrating process into a
practical task; thus maximizing the pleasure inherent in owning
such items by minimizing the tedium associated with taking care of
them.
[0395] It is preferably to hang the garments to be treated with the
wrinkle removal compositions using a swivel clothes hanger. The
swivel clothes hanger has a frame that can be rotated around the
stem of the hook. A garment hung on said swivel hanger can be
oriented in many directions. This facilitates an even and thorough
treatment of the garment with the wrinkle composition when using
the spray to treat the garments. Additionally, the swivel hanger
facilitates inspection and manipulation of the garment and so is
generally useful when used together with wrinkle controlling
compositions.
V. Test Methods
[0396] A. Patternator Test
[0397] The Patternator Test method is used to evaluate a spray
pattern of a spray dispenser. The Patternator Test generates data
to quantify a spray pattern in terms of volume of liquid per unit
of surface area covered by the spray. A standard deviation is also
calculated from this test method.
[0398] An apparatus used to perform the Patternator Test method is
shown in FIG. 1. The Patternator Test is carried out according to
the following method.
[0399] A wrinkle control composition is placed in a plastic bottle
10 with a spray head 12 attached thereto to form a spray dispenser
18. The spray head 12 of the plastic bottle 10 is placed in a
vise-like clamp 14 and attached to the patternator apparatus
16.
[0400] The spray dispenser 18 is aimed towards a two-dimensional
17.times.17 tube array 20 of graduated 14 mL conical tubes 22 (289
tubes total) with a 1.50 cm diameter at the top of each tube 22 and
1 mL graduation marks on each tube 22. There are 10 tubes 22 per
15.2 cm length in both the horizontal and vertical direction on the
tube array 20. The nozzle 24 of the spray dispenser 18 is
positioned 6 inches (2.36 cm) from the tube array 20 and aimed
toward the center of the tube array 20, such that when the wrinkle
control composition is sprayed towards the tube array 20, the tubes
22 will collect the composition. The spray dispenser 18 is aimed at
the tube array 20 such that the spray stream is perpendicular to
the tube array 20 and the tube array 20 is at a 45.degree. angle to
a horizontal surface 26. Each tube 22 corresponds to a surface area
element of about 1.77 cm.sup.2.
[0401] An actuator 28 is used to trigger the spray dispenser 18 at
a controlled pressure. The actuation pressure is chosen based on
measuring the sprayer piston cylinder pressure developed as
consumers used typical examples of spray dispensers. The actuation
pressure is from about 40 to about 50 pounds per square inch (psi).
The piston 30 driving the actuator 28 is powered by compressed air
fed through a flexible tube 32 connected to the piston 30.
[0402] The spray dispenser 18 is triggered by the actuator 28 100
times and the composition dispensed from the 100 sprays is
collected by the tubes 22 of the 17.times.17 tube array 20. After
the liquid from 100 sprays is collected, each tube 22 is removed
from the tube array 20 and the amount of liquid in each tube 22 is
recorded. This data is inputted into a spreadsheet computer program
(Microsoft Excel 2000.TM.) which is used to calculate the volume of
liquid per unit of surface area and the standard deviation thereof.
The results of these data are plotted as a function of volume vs.
surface area to create a three-dimensional graph.
[0403] B. Staining Test
[0404] The Staining Test is carried out by spraying a composition
onto a hanging fabric from a selected spray dispenser with a
distance of 6 inches between the nozzle of the spray dispenser and
the surface of the fabric. The fabric used to assess staining
comprises a medium dark color, like green or blue polycotton
(Springmaid TREMODE combed broadcloth, polycotton fabric 65%
polyester and 35% cotton, any medium dark color, e.g. a nonlimiting
example is color# 99555 called kelly green). Each time a dispenser
is tested with a wrinkle control composition, ten swatches are
sprayed. The number of swatches with a visible stain are tabulated
and the number of stains per ten swatches sprayed is reported.
[0405] C. Dry Time Test
[0406] The Dry Time Test is carried out under conditions where the
relative humidity is 20-27 RH at a temperature of 71-73.degree. F.
as measured by an Omega CTH10O temperature/relative humidity chart
recorder (from Omega Engineering). A composition is dispensed from
a spray dispenser onto fabric (Springmaid TREMODE combed combed
broadcloth, polycotton fabric 65% polyester and 35% cotton) at a
distance of 6 inches between the nozzle of the sprayer and the
fabric. The fabric is sprayed while it hangs on a suspending device
designed to sit on a typical lab scale (e.g. Mettler PM4000;
Mettler PM2000) as it suspends the drying fabric. The suspending
device is a T-shaped metal stand that fabric can be clipped onto.
The fabric is attached to the suspending device as it is sitting on
the scale. After the fabric is attached to the suspending device on
the scale, then sprayed as directed above. Immediately, the initial
weight of the fabric is noted at time=0 minutes. The weight of the
fabric is noted at time=2 minutes, 5 minute, and 10 minutes after
spraying. The % change in weight from the initial value is plotted
as a function of time. To generate the dry time, for each sprayer
type, two sprayers are used and two replicates are done per
sprayer. Therefore, for each sprayer, the dry time data is repeated
four times. The data is averaged over the four runs for the
plot.
[0407] The following are non-limiting examples of the present
invention. All percentages, ratios, and parts herein, in the
Specification, Examples, and claims are by weight and are the
normal approximations unless otherwise stated.
EXAMPLE I
[0408] The following are Examples of wrinkle controlling
compositions of the present invention:
6 Compound 1 2 3 4 Ethanol 15% -- 3% 2% Isopropanol -- 12% 2% 1%
Perfume 0-0.04% 0-0.04% 0-0.04% 0-0.04% Water balance balance
balance balance Compound 5 6 7 8 SH3772.sup.1 0.2% -- -- --
SH3748.sup.1 -- 0.3% -- -- SH8700.sup.1 -- -- 0.3% -- KF354.sup.2
-- -- -- 0.2% hexylene glycol 10% -- -- -- dipropylene -- 5% -- --
glycol 3-methoxy- -- -- 5% -- butanol ethanol -- -- 5% 10% perfume
0-0.02% 0-0.02% 0-0.02% 0-0.02% water balance balance balance
balance .sup.1.Silicone-glycol copolymer from Toray Dow Corning
Silicone Co., Ltd. .sup.2.Silicone-glycol copolymer from Shin-Etsu
Chemical Co. Ltd.
[0409]
7 Compound 9 10 11 12 Silwet .RTM. L7602.sup.3 0.2 0.3 0.5 1.0%
Isopropanol 5 -- 2.5 -- Hexylene glycol -- 5 -- 2.5% Isoprene
glycol -- -- -- 2.5% Hydroxypropyl-.beta.- -- -- 0.5% cyclodextrin
methylated -- -- -- 0.75% cyclodextrin Perfume 0-0.04 0-0.04%
0-0.04% 0-0.04% Water balance balance balance balance
.sup.3.Silicone-glycol copolymer from Crompton.
[0410]
8 Compound 13 14 15 16 Freedom SCO-75.sup.4 1.0% 0.8% 0.5% 0.7%
EtOH 8.0% 5.0% 5.0% 3.0% Stepanol WAC.sup.5 0.5% 0.1% Neodol
25-9.sup.6 0.5% -- -- 1.0% Neodol 23-3.sup.7 -- -- 1.0% -- Perfume
0-0.1% 0-0.1% 0-0.1% 0-0.1% Water balance balance balance balance
.sup.4.Sulfated castor oil available from Freedom Chemical Co.
owned by B F Goodrich .sup.5.Sodium lauryl sulfate available from
stepanol .sup.6.alkyl ethoxylate with 12-15 carbons and an average
of 9 ethoxylates available from Shell. .sup.7.alkyl ethoxylate with
12-13 carbons and an average of 3 ethoxylates available from
Shell
[0411]
9 Compound 17 18 19 20 Dow Corning .RTM. 190 0.01% 0.1% -- --
Surfactant.sup.8 Ethanol 20% 10% 10% 20% 3M Fluorad .RTM..sup.9 --
-- 0.01 0.1% Perfume 0-0.1% 0-0.1% 0-0.1% 0-0.1% Water balance
balance balance balance .sup.8.Silicone glycol copolymer from Dow
Corning. .sup.9.Nonionic fluorinated alkyl ester available from
3M.
[0412]
10 Compound 21 22 23 24 Dow Corning 190 0.01% 0.1% -- -- Surfactant
Ethanol 20% 10% 10% 20% 3M Fluorad -- -- 0.01 0.1%
Hydroxypropyl-.beta.- 0.5% 1.0% cyclodextrin methylated -- -- 1.0!
0.75% cyclodextrin Perfume 0-0.1% 0-0.1% 0-0.1% 0-0.1% Water
balance balance balance balance
[0413]
11 Compound 25 26 27 28 EtOH 8.0% 5.0% 5.0% 3.0% Stepanol WAC.sup.5
0.5% 0.7% 0.1% Neodol 25-9.sup.6 0.5% -- -- 1.0% Neodol 23-3.sup.7
-- -- 1.0% -- Perfume 0-0.1% 0-0.1% 0-0.1% 0-0.1% Water balance
balance balance balance
[0414]
12 Compound 29 30 31 32 Freedom SCO-75 1.0% 0.8% 0.5% 0.7% Perfume
0-0.1% 0-0.1% 0-0.1% 0-0.1% Water balance balance balance
balance
[0415]
13 Compound 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 Neodol .RTM. 23-3 0.5 0.5 0.5
0.5 -- -- -- -- Neodol .RTM. 23-2 0.5 0.5 0.25 0.5 Silwet .RTM. L77
-- -- 0.75 -- 1.75 -- -- -- Silwet .RTM. 2.0 -- 0.75 0.5 -- 1.75
1.0 -- L7280 Silwet .RTM. -- 2.0 -- 1.0 -- -- -- 1.0 L7608 Silwet
.RTM. -- -- -- -- 0.25 -- -- 0.25 L7600 Silwet .RTM. -- -- -- -- --
0.25 0.25 -- L7607 Stepanol .RTM. 0.1 0.2 0.1 0.2 0.1 0.2 0.2 0.1
WAC.sup.(6) Perfume 0.02 0.03 0.02 0.03 0.03 0.025 0.01 0.015 Tris
0.61 0.61 0.61 0.61 0.61 0.61 0.61 0.61 HCl 0.02- 0.02- 0.02- 0.02-
0.02- 0.02- 0.02- 0.02- 0.12 0.12 0.12 0.12 0.12 0.12 0.12 0.12
Distilled water Bal. Bal. Bal. Bal. Bal. Bal. Bal. Bal.
[0416]
14 Compound 41 42 43 44 45 46 Dow Corning 2.0 2.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0
Q2-5211.sup.(5) C45 AS.sup.(4) 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 Perfume
0.005- 0.005- 0.005- 0.005- 0.005- 0.005- 0.06 0.06 0.06 0.06 0.06
0.06 Tris 1.22 1.22 1.22 1.22 1.22 1.22 HCl 0.04- 0.04- 0.04- 0.04-
0.04- 0.04- 0.24 0.24 0.24 0.24 0.24 0.24 Distilled water Bal. Bal.
Bal. Bal. Bal. Bal.
[0417]
15 Compound 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 SH3772 0.5 -- -- -- -- -- -- --
SH3748 -- 1.0 -- -- -- -- -- -- SH8700 -- -- 1.5 -- -- -- -- --
KF354 -- -- -- 0.75 -- -- -- EtOH 13 13 13 13 4 1.0 0.5 1.0
propylene 4 4 4 4 -- -- -- -- glycol isopropyl -- -- -- -- 4 -- --
0.5 alcohol Neodol .RTM. 25- -- -- -- -- -- 0.1 -- 0.3 12 Neodol
.RTM. 45-7 -- -- -- -- -- -- 0.5 -- Water Bal. Bal. Bal. Bal. Bal.
Bal. Bal. Bal.
EXAMPLE II
[0418] This Example demonstrates the differences among different
spray dispensers in regard to spray pattern distribution. A variety
of spray dispeners are evaluated according to the Patternator Test
method described hereinbefore in Section V.A. supra.
[0419] The following wrinkle controlling composition is used to
evaluate the spray pattern of the spray dispensers to be
tested:
16 Component Weight of Active Fluid 245.sup.1 2.5% Silwet L77.sup.2
2.0% Neodol 23-3.sup.3 0.5% Stepanol WAC.sup.4 0.1% Perfume 0-0.04%
Preservative 0-0.1%3 Tris (hydroxy methyl)amino mentane 0.57% HCl
0.05% pH 8-9 Water balance .sup.1Decamethylcylcopentasiloxane
available from Dow Corning. .sup.2Pendant copolymer of polydimethyl
siloxane and ethylenoxide with average molecular weight of 600,
available from CK-Witco. .sup.3Alkyl ethoxylate surfactant with
12-13 carbons and an average of three ethoxylate groups available
from Shell.. .sup.4Sodium lauryl sulfate available from Stepan.
[0420] A variety of spray dispensers are tested according to the
Patternator Test. The results of the test are given in terms of a
spray pattern having a volume per unit of surface area and standard
deviation thereof, and are shown in the following table:
17 Volume/Surface Standard Deviation Sprayer Area in Volume Surface
Mixor.sup.1 1.00 cc .times. 0.025 .times. 0.087 ml/inch.sup.2 0.080
ml/inch.sup.2 0.030 (0.014 ml/cm.sup.2) (0.0124 ml/cm.sup.2)
Mixor.sup.2 1.00 cc MP 0.076 ml/inch.sup.2 0.056 ml/inch.sup.2
(0.012 ml/cm.sup.2) (0.0087 ml/cm.sup.2) Calmar TS-800-2G.sup.3
0.069 ml/inch.sup.2 0.065 ml/inch.sup.2 (0.011 ml/cm.sup.2) (0.010
ml/cm.sup.2) T-8500 1 cc Dow Shroud.sup.4 0.020 ml/inch.sup.2 0.021
ml/inch.sup.2 (0.0031 ml/cm.sup.2) (0.0033 ml/cm.sup.2) Calmar
TS-800-2E.sup.5 0.023 ml/inch.sup.2 0.016 ml/inch.sup.2 (0.0036
ml/cm.sup.2) (0.0025 ml/cm.sup.2) Calmar TS-800-2E RO.sup.6 0.017
ml/inch.sup.2 0.009 ml/inch.sup.2 (0.0026 ml/cm.sup.2) (0.0014
ml/cm.sup.2) Calmar TS-800-2.sup.7 0.012 ml/inch.sup.2 0.007
ml/inch.sup.2 (0.0019 ml/cm.sup.2) (0.0011 ml/cm.sup.2)
.sup.1Available from Calmar, land length is 0.030, diameter of
orifice in the nozzle is 0.025, the nozzle part number is 1PD04105.
.sup.2Available from Calmar, land length is 0.020, diameter of the
orifice in the nozzle is 0.025, the nozzle part number is 1PD04105.
.sup.3Available from Calmar, land length is 0.060, diameter of the
orifice is 0.025, the nozzle part number is 7PD04105.
.sup.4Available from CSI, land length is 0.031, diameter of the
orifice is 0.025, and the nozzle part number is 8501.
.sup.5Available from Calmar, land length is 0.060, diameter of the
orifice is 0.025, and the nozzle part number is 7PD04105.
.sup.6Available from Calmar, specifications equivalent to those in
reference 5. .sup.7Available from Calmar, land length is 0.040,
diameter of the orifice is 0.030, and the nozzle part number is
8PD04105.
[0421] The graphs presented in FIGS. 2-13 are generated using the
results of the Patternator Test method for the spray dispensers
detailed above. These three-dimensional plots show the spray
pattern distribution of the given spray dispenser. In the graphs
presented in FIGS. 2-13, the columns and rows represent the tube
array 20 of FIG. 1 onto which composition is dispensed from the
spray dispenser 18. The legend represents the volume of product in
milliliters.
[0422] From the graphs presented in FIGS. 2-13, it can be seen that
unacceptable sprayers generally have `hot spots` where a large
volume of liquid is being distributed in a small unit of surface
area.
EXAMPLE III
[0423] This Example illustrates the need to utilize a spray
dispenser which provides a spray pattern as desired in the present
invention in order to minimize the potential staining of fabrics
treated with a wrinkle controlling composition.
[0424] A variety of spray dispensers are evaluated using the
Staining Test as described in Section V.B. supra. A wrinkle
controlling composition consisting essentially of water is used to
evaluate the affect the spray dispenser has on the potential to
stain fabrics treated with the wrinkle controlling composition:
[0425] The wrinkle controlling composition is sprayed using a given
sprayer according to the Staining Test method. The results of the
Staining Test are shown in the following table:
18 Sprayer # Swatches Sprayed # Swatches Stained 1.0 cc Mixor 10 10
Calmar TS-800-2G 10 10 Indesco 10 0 Calmar TS-800-2E 10 0
EXAMPLE IV
[0426] This Example demonstrates the affect a spray dispenser
having a particular spray pattern has on the amount of time
required for a fabric to dry which has been treated with a wrinkle
controlling composition.
[0427] In this Example, a variety of spray dispensers are tested
according to the Dry Time Test method disclosed in Section V.C.
supra. A wrinkle controlling composition consisting essentially of
water is used to evaluate the spray dispensers according to the Dry
Time Test.
[0428] The data from the Dry Time Test method is collected for the
given spray dispensers and plotted as a function of time vs.
percent water remaining. This data is represented in the graph of
FIG. 14.
[0429] Drying time, even with water alone, is significantly reduced
by using a sprayer with an acceptable spray pattern of the present
invention.
* * * * *